ClimateAugust 29, 2026
maladaptation
mal-ad-ap-TAY-shun
Definition
A change or adjustment intended to help people cope with climate impacts that instead results in increased vulnerability or unintended negative consequences.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'malus' meaning bad or wrong, combined with 'adaptation' from the Latin 'adaptare', meaning to fit or adjust.
In the news
The article uses maladaptation to explain how poorly designed climate interventions can backfire, potentially increasing risk for specific groups or creating new long-term challenges.
What We Think about When We Think about Climate Action
Read the full article ↗Daily Observer