This paper explores the nature of vulnerability to climate change and examines the adaptation
strategies of the residents of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data were collected through qualitative interviews
to understand the perceptions and coping mechanisms of households and then contextualized within
the existing local, national and international research. The findings reveal positive adaptations to
climate change in some areas but also non-existent or maladaptive changes in other areas that have
increased vulnerability. The study prioritized vulnerabilities based upon the data collected. Of the areas
examined, food (in)security emerged as the greatest immediate and long-term vulnerability for the
target population.