Transboundary climate risks pose complex challenges, propagating across borders and sectors and affecting global supply chains, economies and governance systems. However, the ownership of these risks remains unclear, making adaptation efforts fragmented and less effective. The framework proposed here clarifies risk ownership with step-by-step considerations of transboundary climate risks.

By applying this framework to the case of Brazilian-produced soy products imported for fish food in Norway, the authors also illustrate how climate risks – and the adaptation measures to address them – extend beyond direct supply chain actors to industries, governments and broader economic systems. The framework highlights the systemic nature of transboundary climate risks, emphasizing the need for coordinated, cross-sectoral approaches to adaptation. It also raises critical questions on fairness and responsibility, as differing risk exposures and incentives influence who takes action. Ultimately, the framework provides a foundation for improving risk governance and enhancing climate resilience in interconnected global systems.