Just and fair climate adaptation refers to decision-making that reduces climate risks while recognising that people and places are affected differently and have unequal capacity to respond.

It involves ensuring that adaptation actions do not unintentionally disadvantage vulnerable communities, shift risks elsewhere, or create new inequalities over time.

This approach emphasises inclusive and transparent processes, consideration of who benefits and who bears costs, respect for diverse knowledge and experiences, and attention to long-term and intergenerational impacts. In practice, fair and just adaptation supports outcomes that are not only effective, but also equitable and broadly supported.