A three-dimensional framework for analyzing transformative capacity in coastal adaptation: embeddedness, influence and reproduction

Coastal social-ecological systems (SESs) around the world are under considerable pressure from climate change and anthropogenic disturbances. Transformative adaptation (TA) has attracted substantial attention for delivering pathways towards sustainable, climate-resilient development. However, existing coastal adaptation practices remain constrained by systemic limitations and fragmented approaches, underscoring the need for conceptual synthesis and systematic evaluation of various adaptation interventions to pinpoint core barriers and generate actionable insights. This study integrates theories of social-ecological resilience, sustainability transitions and climate adaptation to develop an analytical framework for coastal TA built around three core dimensions of transformative capacity: embeddedness, influence and reproduction. Drawing on empirical literature covering various coastal adaptation practices, this study examines the multidimensional attributes of adaptation actions with systemic transformation potential. It further synthesizes key challenges — science-policy-society translation barriers, fragmentation in transformative governance, obstacles to moving from technical tool-based approaches to systemic solutions, and gaps in just transition — alongside potential opportunities for TA across four crosscutting domains. The findings of this study provide multidimensional perspectives to inform the design and governance of future coastal climate adaptation initiatives and advance sustainable transitions within coastal SESs.