The dangers of climate change become increasingly existent. The reports of international environmental organizations (e.g. IPCC) make more reference to the anthropogenic origins of the phenomenon, stressing the severity of the possible impacts both on a world and local level. The present opinion article underlines that this environmental crisis is not necessarily incompatible with development policies. In short, climate change could be seen as a chance for triggering developmental and investment action. Special reference is made to Greece, which could – mainly through adaptation policies – search ways of overcoming the long-lasting economic depression.