L8 - Climate change impacts and mitigation Flashcards
Describe the difference between adaptation and mitigation
Adaptation involves adjusting to actual or expected climate change and its effects. It reduces our vulnerability to climate risks (like floods, droughts, or heatwaves) and can also take advantage of any potential benefits (e.g., longer growing seasons in some areas).
Mitigation refers to actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or enhance carbon sinks. The goal is to limit the magnitude of climate change by addressing its root cause—GHG emissions.
Give an example of where a positive change to mitigate against climate change could also have air quality co-benefits
Switching from coal-fired power plants to renewable energy sources like wind or solar not only reduces CO₂ emissions but also cuts down on air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, improving air quality and reducing respiratory diseases.
Give an example of where a positive change to mitigate against climate change could also have air quality disbenefits
Burning more biomass (like wood pellets) for energy instead of fossil fuels can reduce CO₂ emissions (mitigation), but may increase particulate matter and other pollutants locally, potentially worsening air quality and harming health.
Give some examples of a climate change-driven risk faced by the UK
More frequent and intense heatwaves
Flooding from sea-level rise and heavy rainfall
Droughts affecting water supply and agriculture
Coastal erosion
How could you plan to mitigate or adapt to its impacts and why could this work effectively?
Adaptation: Strengthen flood defenses, develop heat-resilient infrastructure, improve water management systems.
Mitigation: Shift to low-carbon transport and energy systems.
Why effective: These strategies reduce the exposure and vulnerability of communities and infrastructure, while tackling the root cause (emissions) at the same time.
Give some examples of a climate change-driven risk faced by Africa
Droughts and water scarcity
Food insecurity due to reduced crop yields
Heat stress and impacts on human health
Spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria
How could you plan to mitigate or adapt to its impacts and why could this work effectively?
Adaptation: Develop drought-resistant crops, invest in irrigation systems, and improve early warning systems for extreme weather.
Mitigation: Reforestation, sustainable land use, and transitioning to clean energy.
Why effective: These approaches reduce vulnerability, improve resilience, and promote sustainable development.
Describe what information you would need to plan for its impacts.
Climate projections (temperature, rainfall, extreme events)
Local vulnerability assessments (who/what is at risk)
Ecosystem and water resource data
Socioeconomic data (livelihoods, infrastructure, health systems)
Effectiveness of past interventions
Describe a possible adaptation strategy that could reduce this risk and explain why it’s the most appropriate.
Adaptation strategy: Introduce drought-tolerant crop varieties in sub-Saharan Africa.
Why appropriate: Agriculture is the backbone of many economies in the region. This strategy improves food security and reduces the risk of famine in a warming climate with irregular rainfall.
How might changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events affect agricultural productivity and food availability?
Higher temperatures can reduce crop yields (especially wheat, rice, and maize).
Irregular rainfall patterns and droughts can reduce irrigation potential and growing seasons.
Extreme events (storms, floods) can destroy crops and infrastructure, reducing food availability.
Regions already struggling with food security (e.g., low-latitude developing countries) are at highest risk.
Evaluate the social and economic impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, including indigenous communities, low-income households, and developing countries.
Health risks: More heatwaves and disease outbreaks hit those without proper healthcare or housing the hardest.
Economic stress: Loss of productivity, food insecurity, and rising costs of adaptation or rebuilding after disasters.
Displacement: Rising seas and droughts may force migration.
Cultural loss: Indigenous ways of life often depend on climate-sensitive ecosystems.
Inequity: These populations contribute the least to emissions but face the greatest burden.
Give an example of adaptations and mitigations to climate change
Adaptation: Building sea walls and relocating infrastructure in coastal areas to protect against sea-level rise.
Mitigation: Investing in renewable energy like solar farms to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
