Researchers should not assume that research has a positive role to play in community adaptation just because it utilizes participatory approaches. CBA can assist communities, build capacity, develop locally appropriate adaptations based on indigenous and Western knowledge, expand the salience of planning for future risks, and direct attention to locally important issues. Yet, participation in and of itself does not necessarily denote good or ethically sound CBA. In fact, participation in CBA research can perpetuate the privilege of Western knowledge over local values and indigenous knowledge, and can further marginalize communities if power relations are not addressed (also see Refs 28, 33, 84). CBA also does not prevent maladaptation (see Table 1), and in conducting research that facilitates or legitimizes intervention, researchers must address the potential that their work can do harm, especially when constrained by a lack information to make robust decisions in light of dynamic climate/ecological conditions. These potential dangers require careful consideration before projects proceed.