What characterizes the term 'maladaptation' in climate change context?

Maladaptation in the context of climate change refers to actions or strategies that inadvertently increase vulnerability to climate impacts rather than reduce it. This occurs when adaptations do not effectively address the changes in climate conditions or when they lead to additional challenges for ecosystems and human communities. For instance, building a seawall to protect against rising sea levels may offer immediate protection but could exacerbate coastal erosion elsewhere or disrupt local ecosystems, leading to a greater risk in the long term.

In this sense, maladaptation signifies a failure to align adaptation efforts with the needs and realities imposed by climate change, ultimately making systems less resilient. The focus on increased vulnerability emphasizes how these responses can undermine the overall goal of creating sustainable adaptations to changing environmental conditions.