Database results:
examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
As our planet warms and weather patterns become more unpredictable, humans have developed two main approaches to dealing with climate change: mitigation and adaptation. These strategies work together to help us tackle one of the biggest challenges facing our planet.
Key Definitions:
Mitigation tackles the causes of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Think of it as turning off a tap to stop a bath from overflowing.
Adaptation deals with the effects of climate change. Think of it as using buckets to catch water from a leaking roof while you wait for better weather to fix it.
Mitigation strategies aim to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere. These approaches vary from technological solutions to policy changes and individual actions.
Shifting from fossil fuels to clean energy sources like solar, wind and hydroelectric power. The UK aims to generate 100% of electricity from low-carbon sources by 2035.
Protecting and expanding forests, wetlands and other natural systems that absorb CO₂. The Great Green Wall project in Africa aims to plant a 8,000km barrier of trees across the continent.
Technologies that capture CO₂ emissions from power plants or directly from the air and store them underground. Norway's Sleipner project stores 1 million tonnes of CO₂ annually under the North Sea.
Using less energy to perform the same tasks reduces emissions and often saves money. This can happen at many levels:
The UK's Energy Company Obligation scheme has helped insulate over 2 million homes, reducing both emissions and energy bills.
Denmark has transformed its energy system through wind power, which now provides over 40% of the country's electricity. The small island of Samso has gone even further, becoming 100% powered by renewable energy.
Key factors in Denmark's success:
This demonstrates how a determined country can dramatically reduce emissions while creating jobs and energy independence.
Even with the best mitigation efforts, some climate change is already locked in. Adaptation strategies help communities cope with these changes and reduce vulnerability.
Building sea walls, restoring mangroves and creating "managed retreat" plans. The Thames Barrier protects London from storm surges and has been raised over 180 times since 1982.
Developing drought-resistant crops, changing planting times and diversifying food production. Australian farmers are switching to more heat-tolerant grape varieties for wine production.
Creating green spaces to reduce urban heat islands, improving drainage systems and designing buildings to withstand extreme weather. Rotterdam has built water squares that serve as playgrounds in dry weather and water storage during heavy rain.
Climate change often manifests as too much water (flooding) or too little (drought). Adaptation includes:
Singapore's "Four National Taps" strategy combines imported water, rainwater collection, recycled water (NEWater) and desalination to ensure water security despite limited natural resources.
With about 26% of its land below sea level, the Netherlands has centuries of experience adapting to water challenges. Their modern approach combines engineering with nature-based solutions:
This approach shows how adaptation can work with natural processes rather than against them.
Climate change is a global problem requiring coordinated action. Several key agreements guide international efforts:
Under the Paris Agreement, countries submit their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - plans for how they will reduce emissions. These are reviewed and updated every five years in a "ratchet mechanism" designed to increase ambition over time.
Climate change responses involve many different groups with varying responsibilities and capabilities:
Governments can implement policies like:
The UK Climate Change Act (2008) legally commits the government to reducing emissions by at least 100% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.
Companies are increasingly taking climate action through:
Over 300 major companies have committed to using 100% renewable electricity through the RE100 initiative.
While systemic change is essential, individual choices and community initiatives also play important roles:
Community energy schemes like Brixton Energy in London allow residents to invest in local solar projects, sharing both the costs and benefits of renewable energy.
Responding to climate change presents both difficulties and potential benefits:
When discussing climate change strategies in your exam, remember to:
Use case studies to support your points and show you understand real-world applications of these concepts.
Log in to track your progress and mark lessons as complete!
Login NowDon't have an account? Sign up here.