This book explores the adaptive capacity of water governance systems in the face of climate-related uncertainty, focusing on two case studies: the Po River Basin in Italy and the Syr Darya River in Kyrgyzstan. Through interdisciplinary analysis and expert interviews, the study identifies institutional determinants—such as governance structures, financial risk management, and infrastructure—that influence adaptive outcomes. It proposes four ideal governance models, classifying the Po River as proactive-incremental and the Syr Darya as reactive-incremental. The comparison reveals specific "bridges" and "barriers" to adaptation across multilevel governance. The findings offer policy recommendations to transition from resistant systems to adaptive governance frameworks, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change not as an isolated issue, but as an intensifier of existing socio-environmental tensions.