Climate change adaptation in global mountain regions requires a multi-sectoral approach

Climate change is projected to cause significant and irreversible losses in mountain regions, severely impacting both people and ecosystems. Assessing adaptation in mountain regions is crucial to address diverse sectoral challenges and to mitigate the risks of maladaptation. Despite increasing awareness of the need to integrate adaptation across all sectors affected by climate change, the understanding of multi-sectoral solutions remains limited. Here we analyzed 118 research articles on human adaptation published between 2012 and 2022 and found disparities and commonalities across different regions, adaptation types and sectors. Behavioural/cultural responses, primarily reactive and linked to agriculture and pastoralism sectors, are most prevalent in Africa and Asia, particularly within rural settings. In contrast, technological/infrastructural and institutional responses, often anticipatory and associated with disaster-risk management, tourism, transportation and water sectors are highly prominent in Europe, especially in urban areas. Our findings underscore the need for collaborative efforts across multiple sectors and regions to effectively address these challenges. Livelihood diversification, early warning systems, and community partnership and collaborative engagement emerge as key multi-sectoral adaptation solutions to climate change risks in mountain regions, according to the systematic analysis of 118 empirical studies.