Climate change poses risks to sustainable development that can be addressed through adaptation. Two articles were analyzed that link adaptation and reducing negative climate impacts or enhancing positive ones. Adaptation can be autonomous and reactive or planned by public entities, but institutional support is important for long term success. While early views focused on predicting future risks, adaptation is now seen as an opportunity. However, the articles took a top-down approach rather than incorporating community awareness from the bottom-up. Mainstreaming adaptation into development requires overcoming challenges from their broad, vague nature and ensuring projects reduce both poverty and vulnerability.