Adaptive capacity refers to an individual or community's ability to adjust to change, cope with stressors, and manage risk. It involves the ability to anticipate and respond to changing circumstances, as well as to learn from past experiences and apply that knowledge to future challenges. Adaptive capacity is essential for resilience in the face of environmental, social, and economic challenges, and involves factors such as flexibility, innovation, social cohesion, and access to resources. Researchers in this area aim to understand the factors that influence adaptive capacity and develop strategies to enhance it in different contexts.