In many countries, governments are seeking advice from a wide range of disciplines on the potential impacts of climate change on the environment and their society and economy. This handbook is designed to help those conducting research supporting such advice. Underlying the research are two fundamental questions: “What does climate change mean to us?” and “What might be done about it?” This handbook is designed to provide newcomers to the field of climate impact and adaptation assessment with a guide to available research methods, particularly for answering the first question. The handbook will also serve as a ready reference for many others currently engaged in impacts and adaptation research. This comprehensive handbook covers a wide range of potential research areas, including:

• Socio-Economic Scenarios
• Climate Change Scenarios
• Integration
• Adaptation to Climate Change: Theory and Assessment
• Water Resources
• Coastal Zones
• Agriculture
• Rangeland and Livestock
• Human Health
• Energy
• Forest
• Biodiversity: Species, Communities, and Ecosystems
• Fisheries.