This chapter addresses why the national level matters for adaptation. It illustrates how to get started on addressing adaptation at the national level by: identifying and engaging key national actors; improving access to national-level climate information; organising government structures to better address adaptation; building upon and reinforcing existing national mechanisms for disaster risk reduction; modifying regulations and standards to reflect current and anticipated climate risks; and enhancing linkages between multilateral/regional commitments and adaptation. It addresses integrating adaptation within the national policy cycle – at the policy formulation stage; at the planning stage (multi-year development plans); at resource allocation stage (mediumterm expenditure frameworks and national budgets); and at the programming/implementation stage – (sector-level development plans). It looks at donor support for integration of adaptation at the national level through budgetary support mechanisms and donor country assistance strategies. Finally, it summarises the challenges and priorities for action at the national level.