Knowledge for a warmer world: A patent analysis of climate change adaptation technologies

Technologies can help strengthen the resilience of our economy against existential climate-risks. We investigate climate change adaptation technologies (CCATs) in US patents to understand (1) historical patterns and possible drivers innovation; (2) scientific technological requirements develop use CCATs; (3) CCATs’ potential synergies with mitigation. First, contrast mitigation, innovation CCATs only slowly takes off, indicating a relatively low awareness investors for solutions cope risks. discuss how trends environmental regulation, energy prices, public support may have contributed patenting CCATs. Second, form two main clusters: science-intensive ones agriculture, health, monitoring technologies; engineering-intensive coastal, water, infrastructure technologies. Analyses technology-specific knowledge bases inform directions facilitate advancement, transfer Lastly, show strong complementarities mitigation as more than 25% bear benefits. While not judging about complementarity general, results suggest policymakers harness these achieve both goals simultaneously.