Many of the dramatic changes across the planet during the Anthropocene Epoch cannot be reversed within our lifespans, so it becomes imperative to adapt to change as far as possible. According to the IPCC, adaptation is ‘the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects. In human systems, adaptation seeks to moderate or avoid harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. In some natural systems, human intervention may facilitate adjustment to expected climate and its effects’ (1, p. SPM 5). While this definition refers only to climate, the context in which adaptation has been most thoroughly considered, the concept of adaptation is applicable to the full range of planetary changes. As implied by the IPCC definition, an adaptation action might be taken proactively, to reduce harm in advance of an impact, or reactively, in response to a perceived or real health risk.