Climate action: Mitigation and adaptation

Climate action can take the form of mitigation and adaptation.

In the context of climate action, mitigation means reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It can be done by reducing the sources of these gases — for example, reducing the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat or transport — or by enhancing the sinks that accumulate and store these gases — for example, the oceans, forests and soil.

To mitigate the effects of climate change we can:

While we look for solutions to help mitigate climate change, we also have to adapt to changes already taking place.

To adapt means to adjust to new conditions. In the context of climate action, adaptation is to adapt one’s life in a changing climate. It involves adjusting to the actual or expected future climate. The goal of adaptation is to reduce our risks from the harmful effects of climate change. Adaptation has many benefits. For example, it can prevent future losses from damage to infrastructure and ill health. If it is done smartly and with a long-term perspective, it provides economic opportunities and helps create a safety net while reducing potential damage.

Examples of adaptation include:

• having disaster management plans and systems in place
• sowing weather-resistant crops
• having weather advisories, early warning systems and health advisories in place

When we take mitigation and adaptation measures, we are building climate resilience. Water conservation, water resource mapping and planning, sourcing local funds for climate action, etc. are both mitigation actions and adaptation actions.

An important point to note about climate action is that it should lead to a reduction in emissions and build communities’ resilience and ability to adapt.