Adapting to climate change requires decisions that avoid the risk of locking decisions and investments into something that cannot be changed, if it is no longer fit for purpose, e.g. building
infrastructure.
The Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways (DAPP) approach develops a series of actions over time (pathways). It is based on the idea of making decisions as conditions change, before severe damage occurs, and as existing policies and decisions prove no longer fit for purpose.
To determine which pathway we should follow, we develop a series of triggers. For example, as the sea-level rises, the frequency of hazard events (e.g. flooding) exceeds an agreed
trigger. At this point we need to take additional or different actions, and an alternative pathway to avoid reaching the threshold at which damage occurs.
By exploring different pathways early and testing the consequences, we can design an adaptive plan that includes a mix of short-term actions and long-term options.
The plan is monitored for signals that a decision point is approaching to:
- implement the next step of a pathway
- shift to an alternative pathway
- reassess the objectives of the plan itself.
