The report written by World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) entitled Adaptation: An issue brief for business states that climate change will have significant impacts on global populations and environments and will likely lead to a change in existing business models and current risk management structures.  
 
The report states that some climate change impacts are now unavoidable and solutions will be needed to adapt to them. The publication focuses on providing an overview of adaptation from a business perspective, it describes the potential impacts of climate change, and the risks and opportunities for business. The report also highlights the areas in which business could have a role in promoting adaptation, both at community and global levels.  
 
What is adaptation? 
Under the definition adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change, adaptation is a process through which societies make themselves better able to cope with an uncertain future. Adapting to climate change entails taking the right measures to reduce the negative effects of climate change by making the appropriate adjustments and changes. 
 
Why is adaptation needed? 
It is now acknowledged that even if we do succeed in reducing emissions, some climate change impacts are unavoidable because of the level of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. As a result adaptation is necessary because of the short and long term impacts that the continuing rise in temperatures will bring.  
 
Business and adaptation 
The business case for adaptation planning is a strong one. Adaptation implementation should be assessed as it could generate tangible and short-term benefits for business operations. It could also yield benefits for local communities.  
 
The key drivers of adaptation planning or implementation include:

• Competitive advantage
• Cost savings
• Liability management
• Investor pressure
• Regulation
• Community resilience.

• WBCSD: Adaptation: An issues brief for business