Synergies and trade-offs between adaptation and mitigation
Adaptation encompasses the process of adjusting to both current and anticipated effects of climate change, including coping with and recovering from its impacts. Conversely, mitigation concentrates on reducing the severity of these impacts by preventing or decreasing the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and/or enhancing carbon sinks. Consequently, it is crucial that actions addressing both adaptation and mitigation be carried out concurrently to effectively manage the impacts of climate change.
It is noteworthy that adaptation and mitigation differ primarily in their objectives. Mitigation aims to tackle the root causes of climate change, such as the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, whereas adaptation focuses on addressing the consequences of climate change. Additionally, adaptation and mitigation vary in terms of their temporal scales and the economic sectors they target (Locatelli et al., 2010).
Table 1. Comparison of mitigation and adaptation
| Consideration | Mitigation | Adaptation |
| Spatial scale | Primarily an international issue, as mitigation provides global benefits | Primarily a local issue, as adaptation mostly provides benefits at the local scale |
| Time scale | Mitigation has a long-term effect because of the inertia of the climatic system | Adaptation can have a short-term effect on reducing vulnerability |
| Sectors | Mitigation is a priority in the energy, transportation, industry, and waste-management sectors | Adaptation is a priority in the water and health sectors and in coastal or low-lying areas |
| Sectors for both | Both mitigation and adaptation are relevant to the agriculture and forestry sectors |
Furthermore, both mitigation and adaptation are essential to effectively address the impacts of climate change. On the one hand, despite robust mitigation efforts, the climate is projected to undergo continued change in the coming decades, necessitating adaptation to these shifts. Conversely, while adaptation efforts are crucial for managing the consequences of climate change, they alone cannot completely mitigate all negative impacts. Therefore, mitigation measures are indispensable for constraining alterations in the climate system.
To achieve carbon emissions reduction targets and mitigate projected climate change impacts, it is crucial to enhance the synergy between mitigation and adaptation strategies. This can be accomplished through developing policies that integrate the implementation of the most appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures (Thomas et al., 2017). Moreover, some actions serve dual roles in both mitigation and adaptation. Below are a few illustrative examples.
- Afforestation, reforestation, and agroforestry serve dual roles in both mitigation and adaptation efforts. In terms of mitigation, they diminish greenhouse gas emissions by acting as carbon sinks. Conversely, in terms of adaptation, they aid in soil protection against erosion, landslides, and runoff. Additionally, they generate income for landowners.
- Constructing climate-resilient settlements fulfils both mitigation and adaptation objectives. These settlements mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy consumption and emissions. Simultaneously, they contribute to adaptation efforts by minimising land degradation.
- Constructing hydropower dams similarly function as both a mitigation and an adaptation measure. By utilising green energy, they mitigate against GHGs. Additionally, they play a role in adaptation by safeguarding species against displacement and relocation due to changing environmental conditions.
Activity
Activity 1.4. Give three examples of other actions/activities that play both mitigation and adaptation roles, and explain those roles.
