Wikipedia– Adaptive capacity is the capacity of a system to adapt if the environment where the system exists is changing. It is applied to e.g., ecological systems and human social systems.

As applied to ecological systems, the adaptive capacity is determined by:

• genetic diversity of species
• biodiversity of particular ecosystems
• heterogeneous ecosystem mosaics as applied to specific landscapes or biome regions.

As applied to human social systems, the adaptive capacity is determined by:

• the ability of institutions and networks to learn, and store knowledge and experience.
• creative flexibility in decision making and problem solving
• the existence of power structures that are responsive and consider the needs of all stakeholders.