Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Vulnerable Countries Through the SDG 13: A Cross‐Sectoral Analysis

The adverse impacts of climate change are felt more acutely in vulnerable countries, including least developed countries (LDC) with limited resources, developing countries (DC) with diverse socio‐economic challenges, and small island developing states (SIDS) that face particular exposure due to their geographic characteristics. Although they are most at risk, the adaptation and resilience strategies of these country groups have not been comprehensively analyzed on a sectoral basis, complicating effective climate adaptation planning. For such an analysis, National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), prepared and published by these countries, are key policy documents outlining sectoral priorities, strategic goals, and planned adaptation actions. This study systematically analyzes 46 vulnerable countries' NAPs within the sustainable development goals (SDGs) framework using a multi‐scale content analysis. The results show that socioeconomic conditions and institutional capacities shape countries' adaptation priorities. Agriculture, food, and livestock emerge as the most fragile sectors across all groups. Sectoral actions predominantly align with SDG 13.3, emphasizing awareness and capacity building. The prominence of sustainable resource management strategies in DC results from efforts to integrate development with climate policies, and developing context‐specific strategies that engage multiple stakeholders is critical for enhancing governance in SIDS. Building local resilience relies on capacity development in climate‐sensitive sectors as key tools for LDC, and enhancing knowledge, awareness, and capacity remains a fundamental component of adaptation strategies across all country groups.