Framing adaptive capacity of coastal communities: A review of the role of scientific framing in indicator-based adaptive capacity assessments in coastal social-ecological systems

In the current context of climate and anthropogenic change, assessing the adaptive capacity of coastal communities, i.e., their ability to adapt, navigate and/or recover from the impacts of change is key in coastal management and decision-making processes. Framing in adaptive capacity assessments (i.e., what is highlighted) influences how coastal communities’ adaptive capacity is perceived and understood, carrying profound ethical and political implications for governance. The significance of framing within assessments of adaptive capacity has been acknowledged, yet limited research delves into the dynamics of this process, particularly within coastal-social ecological settings. Through a systematic literature review, we address this knowledge gap by exploring how scholarly assessments frame adaptive capacity in social-ecological systems and analyzing their potential implications in coastal adaptation governance. We focus on adaptive capacity assessments using indicators, given their prominence as a frequently employed methodology by policy makers. Our results reveal that assessments are predominately framed under vulnerability frameworks, focusing on how adaptive capacity moderates the impact of climate-related variability using single-level data from individuals or households. Typically, these assessments rely on attributes related to socio-economic factors, access to assets and livelihood diversity to assess present adaptive capacity, with researchers and their paradigms playing a significant role in framing these assessments. We propose that this prevailing perspective may not support coastal communities in meeting the complex challenges they are facing. By providing this comprehensive review on the scientific framing of adaptive capacity assessments in coastal social-ecological systems, we contribute towards advancing frame-reflective adaptive capacity research.