Adaptive capacity to climate change implies the ability to modify ecological, social or economic systems to reduce potential harm or increase benefits. The paper shows an experimental procedure which, in accordance with the guidelines of the National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change, integrates aspects of anticipatory governance and supports the definition of priorities for possible local adaptation measures. The scalable and adaptable approach is tested on the municipalities of the Autonomous Province of Trento and consists of the following phases: identification of local climatic uncertainties, of sensitive sectors and possible adaptation measures, assessment of the local relevance and capacity to implement them, identification of support priorities.
Keywords: adaptation to climate change; anticipatory governance; strategic planning