Table 6 Categories of data analysed

Terminology and origin of evidence

• Terminology (difference between peer-review and grey)

• Type of evidence (i.e. case studies, experiments, modelling) and source (journal) and quality (see ‘study quality assessment’ section)

• Proportion of articles looking at multiple adaptation options

• Spread of evidence – geographic distribution and concentration of studies and field of study (journal-type/theme)

Aim of EbA-type activities undertaken

• Climatic hazards and impacts addressed

• Adaptation target (e.g. sectors or individuals/groups/communities or both)

• Ecosystems being used /type of EbA interventions

Measure of success and discussion of limits

• Measures of effectiveness

• Result of adaptation intervention

• Time scale of effectiveness

• Biophysical thresholds and boundary conditions to effectiveness

Costs and benefits

• Social, environmental and economic

• Cost-benefit to alternatives

· Temporal and spatial distribution of social, environmental and economic costs and benefits

• Trade-offs and synergies with land use and other ecosystem services

Policy and institutions and implementation

• Institutional effectiveness of adaptation interventions

• Intervention relationship with policy sphere and success of project in instigating policy change

• Design and implementation of projects