Adaptation in general Flashcards
1. What is meant by the adaptation strategy of retreat?
Retreat is an adaptation strategy that involves relocating from the initial location to detach the population from the hazard. It can include both individual-scale movements, such as moving away from hazardous areas, as well as behavioral changes to combat extreme heat, such as staying indoors during the hottest hours of the day. A major retreat strategy is climate migration, which refers to the movement of people due to environmental factors. It is projected that by 2050, there will be 1 billion environmentally displaced people worldwide, making climate migration a significant adaptation approach.
- How does the adaptation strategy of “protect” work?
The protect strategy aims to keep the hazard away from the population without necessarily moving them to a new location. One example of this strategy is the construction of sea walls. However, implementing sea walls can be costly, with estimates reaching $416 billion for protecting the US coast. While sea walls can provide protection, they may disrupt natural river courses and negatively impact coastal tourism. Moreover, they require ongoing maintenance due to hydraulic action. The Great Wall of Lagos is an example of sea walls being used as a protect strategy in coastal areas.
- What is meant by the adaptation strategy of “accommodate”?
Accommodate is an adaptation strategy that involves living with the hazard and making adjustments to adapt to the changing conditions. For example, using air conditioning and heating systems to cope with more extreme temperatures is an accommodation strategy. However, it is important to note that this kind of adaptation could pose challenges for mitigation efforts, as it requires a significant amount of energy consumption, potentially contributing to a positive feedback loop of increased energy use and higher temperatures. Another example of accommodation is the use of floating houses in Amsterdam, which adapt to the city’s water-based environment. Houses on stilts in low-income developing countries, such as Makoko in Lagos, Nigeria, also demonstrate accommodation strategies to deal with rising sea levels. However, this approach may only be sustainable if the houses are built high enough, as the surrounding areas would be flooded, making it challenging to live in.
- What are some socio-economic challenges associated with adaptation strategies?
Socio-economic challenges exist on both individual and systemic scales when implementing adaptation strategies. These challenges can include disparities between rich and poor countries, as well as inequality within economically developing countries (EDCs). Adaptation efforts may face obstacles due to limited financial resources, access to technology, and institutional capacity, particularly in low-income countries. Addressing these socio-economic challenges is crucial to ensure equitable and effective adaptation to climate change.
- Are there specific technological challenges related to adaptation?
While the information provided does not outline specific technological challenges, adaptation efforts can encounter technological challenges such as limited access to appropriate technology, lack of infrastructure, or insufficient technological advancements to implement certain adaptation strategies effectively. Technological innovation and development play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges and enabling successful adaptation to climate change.
- What are some political challenges associated with adaptation?
Political challenges in adaptation efforts can include policy implementation, coordination among different government entities, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. The complexity of governance structures, decision-making processes, and political will can influence the effectiveness and speed of adaptation actions. Overcoming political challenges requires strong leadership, international cooperation, and policies that prioritize climate resilience and equity.
