Which method can be used for ensuring adaptive resource management in cloud environments?

Autoscaling is a method that allows cloud environments to dynamically adjust the allocation of resources based on current demand. This capability ensures that the infrastructure can scale up or down automatically, responding in real time to changes in workload. For instance, during peak usage times, autoscaling can increase the number of virtual machine instances to handle the additional load, and conversely, it can reduce the number of instances during periods of lower demand. This not only optimizes resource utilization but also helps in cost management as organizations only pay for the resources they actually use.

In contrast, vertical scaling involves adding more resources (like CPU or RAM) to a single server, which may not be feasible indefinitely and can create a single point of failure. Autonomous backup relates to data protection strategies and does not directly manage resource allocation during variable demand. Load balancing distributes incoming network traffic efficiently across multiple servers but does not itself adjust the number of resources based on usage patterns. Thus, autoscaling is the most effective and adaptive method for resource management in cloud environments, allowing for flexible and efficient operation.