Includes bibliographical references and index.

Summary for policymakers -- Technical summary -- Assessment of observed changes and responses in natural and managed systems -- New assessment methods and the characterisation of future conditions -- Fresh water resources and their management -- Ecosystems, their properties, goods and services -- Food, fibre, and forest products -- Coastal systems and low-lying areas -- Industry, settlement and society -- Human health -- Africa -- Asia -- Australia and New Zealand -- Europe -- Latin America -- North America -- Polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic) -- Small islands -- Assessment of adaptation practices, options, constraints and capacity -- Inter-relationships between adaptation and mitigation -- Assessing key vulnerabilities and the risk from climate change -- Perspectives on climate change and sustainability -- Cross-chapter case studies.