In response to the growing concern over the expected effects of climate change, a growing number of people are exploring how communities have and might respond to climate as one of a number of interacting stresses. Because climate stressors affect many aspects of our socioecological system, it is not difficult to make the connection between adaptation and development challenges such as combating un- and under-employment; improving access to water and sanitation, health care, and education; and empowering people in decision making processes. This paper uses a South African Case Study to investigate the various stresses related to climate change (e.g. water shortage), and how these can be addressed in policy and practice.