Mitigation vs. Adaptation

Question 1

What is mitigation?

Answer 1

An approach that addresses the root causes of climate change and tries to moderate them.

Question 2

Examples of mitigation methods are…

Answer 2

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Switching fuel from coal to gas

Question 3

What is mitigation the most appropriate approach for?

Answer 3

The prevention of global warming, as it attempts to prevent the causes of climate change and the implementation of such methods indicates that it is still preventable.

Question 4

Give an example of the mitigation approach being used

Answer 4

The Kyoto Protocol in 1997, as it was a treaty that enforced emissions reductions on the signatory countries and didn’t feature any measures on adaptation.

Question 5

What is adaptation?

Answer 5

It seeks to lower the risks posed by the consequences of climate change

Question 6

Examples of adaptation methods are…

Answer 6

Relocation of settlements - especially in coastal areas

Improvement of sea walls and storm surge barriers

Question 7

When is the adaptation approach best suited?

Answer 7

For when climate change can no longer be prevented and the best course of action is to adapt to the inevitable consequences.

Question 8

Give an example of the adaptation approach being used

Answer 8

Copenhagen Criteria in 2009, where money was given to the developing world to help them adapt to climate change.