To highlight the dynamic reality of adaptation to climate change risks and responses, this detailed study focuses on livelihood transitions in South India. The research examines to what extent multi-scalar adaptation interventions affect local risk and response behaviour. Lack of water due to erratic rainfall and declining ground water levels were the most significant risks. Practices of adjustment are increasingly being challenged by growing climate variability and longer-term manifestations of climate change. While certain strategies do improve household wellbeing in the short run, there is low evidence to suggest an increase in adaptive capacity to deal with climatic risks in the future
