types of climate change adaptations Flashcards
what is adaptation
adapting to life in a changing climate-involves adjusting to excpected future climates
adapting to heat
-dangerous heat waves are becoming more frequent
-to adapt poeple can outfit buildings with more insulation and efficient cooling technologies.
-roofs with plants installed -plants absorb sunllight
adapting farms and food
-changes in the amount of precipitation are making farming more challenging
-planting drought resistant crops, making irrigation(Applying water to land in order to supply crops ) more efficient
-managing fisheries so fish aren’t overharvested-this can be done by putting a limit on the number of fish that you are allowed to catch and the number of boats which are allowed on the water at a given time.
Sorghum can tolerate low water conditions. A super grain, sorghum is high in protein, antioxidants, and fiber. It’s also used to make ethanol and fed to farm animals.
preventing flood damage
-homes built on stilts to reduce the risk of flood damage
-As climate change causes the sea level to rise, seawalls and levees can help limit flooding of coastal communities. Wetlands can be built to buffer a coast. Both near coasts and inland, improving storm water drainage can help keep communities from flooding as climate change increases the amount of precipitation during storms.
ensuring there is enough freshwater
some places have more precipitation than others. This can make it difficult to ensure consistent access to water.
-communities can adapt by building water storage systems, creating regulations to keep water safe.
why do we need to adapt
The impacts of climate change are already affecting vulnerable populations - we need to act now to protect lives, homes and livelihoods
Why obstacles might we face in adapting to climate change?
Lack of understanding of science (-> lack of motivation to act)
Lack of funding for implementing strategies
Lack of technology
Community resistance to strategies e.g. managed retreat
