Operationalizing Climate Change Adaptation Literacy through Framework Development and National Population Evidence from Taiwan

Climate change adaptation requires citizens to understand risks, navigate public institutions, and engage with feasible responses. We developed a climate change adaptation literacy framework comprising four domains and 16 subdimensions through literature synthesis, expert consultation, and pilot testing. A weighted national telephone survey assessed 2,527 adults in Taiwan in 2025. Only 11% correctly rejected a statement equating adaptation with emissions reduction, and 22% recognized the need to adjust policy for specific groups. Support for adaptation was high, while reported engagement with local resources and civic action was lower. Adjusted analyses showed higher conceptual and policy knowledge among respondents with more education. Younger adults had higher knowledge scores, and older groups reported more adaptive practice. These findings highlight priorities for clarifying concepts, differentiated protection, accessible local services, and practical participation. The framework provides a national baseline for evaluating communication and education on adaptation.