The major gender issues in climate adaptation, as seen in a Swedish perspective are summarized. It is proposed that in order to identify the relevant gender issues, the focus should be on five mechanisms through which gender inequality can arise: differences in power, differences in income and economic resources, division of labour, cultural patterns and social roles, and biological differences. Several gender-related issues are identified that need to be taken into account in climate adaptation. It is proposed that gender analysis be an integral part of climate policy development.