In the last decade, a growing number of national programmes and community-based projects have been developed in the European region. There is a growing accumulation of knowledge on 'what has worked' (and what has not) in implementing policies, programmes and projects, which address climate adaptation with the objective of reducing risks posed by climate-related hazards.The main aim of this review is to provide policy guidance and capacity to European decision makers in the governance of climate-risks. This study presents a critical analysis of on-going research projects dealing with the social dimension of Climate Change Adaptation.