What is adaptation?
Big idea: Adaptation = adjusting to the effects. We accept that some climate change is unavoidable and prepare for its impacts.
Why adaptation is necessary
- Even if emissions stopped today, some warming is already locked in due to past emissions
- CO₂ persists in atmosphere for centuries
- Oceans have absorbed heat that will continue to warm climate
- Impacts are already happening — we need to cope NOW
Mitigation is like preventing a fire; adaptation is like installing smoke detectors and sprinklers. Both are essential!
Types of adaptation
- Reactive: Responding to impacts that have already occurred
- Anticipatory: Preparing for expected future impacts
- Planned: Deliberate policy decisions by governments
- Autonomous: Spontaneous adjustments by individuals and systems
Exam tip: Questions may ask you to classify adaptation strategies or explain why adaptation is necessary alongside mitigation.
Specific adaptation strategies
Big idea: Adaptation strategies are tailored to specific risks and locations. They include infrastructure, agriculture, water management, and social measures.
Coastal and water management
- Sea walls and flood barriers: Protect against rising seas and storm surges (e.g., Thames Barrier)
- Managed retreat: Moving communities away from vulnerable coastlines
- Wetland restoration: Natural buffers that absorb flood water
- Water storage: Reservoirs, rainwater harvesting for drought periods
- Desalination: Converting seawater to freshwater
Agriculture and food security
- Drought-resistant crops: Breeding or engineering crops that tolerate water stress
- Changed planting dates: Adjusting to new seasonal patterns
- Irrigation efficiency: Drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors
- Crop diversification: Reducing dependence on single crops
- Agroforestry: Trees provide shade, reduce erosion, diversify income
Health and urban adaptation
- Early warning systems: Heat alerts, flood warnings, disease surveillance
- Urban heat island reduction: Green roofs, urban trees, reflective surfaces
- Improved healthcare: Preparing for climate-related illnesses
- Building codes: Design for extreme weather, passive cooling
Exam tip: Be ready to give named examples of adaptation strategies from specific countries or regions when possible.