Adaptation to Climate Change
Geography: AQA GCSE, topic 1.4.8
Adaptation to Climate Change
Mitigation strategies help reduce the effects of climate change in the long-term. Adaptation means that we respond to the changes that climate change is causing. Below are some examples of adaptations to climate change:
Changing agricultural systems
- Different precipitation patterns and temperatures may mean that different regions need to grow different crops (e.g. grapes for English wine in England).
- Some businesses are trying to grow crops inside using 'vertical farming', whilst other businesses like Impossible Foods, which produces the Impossible Burger is developing meat substitutes.
- Biotechnology can be used to help make more resistant or more nutritious crops (e.g. drought-resistant crops in Kenya or the more nutritious potato).
Managing water supply
- Climate change is predicted to make currently dry areas even drier. This will mean that water needs to be stored and used more efficiently.
- Capturing rainwater, using more efficient taps, and using water meters could all improve the accessibility of water.
Coping with rising sea levels
- Many islands and coastal regions will be flooded if sea levels rise. At current projections, New York, London and Shanghai could be flooded by 2100.
- Flood defences (like London's Thames Barrier) and other prevention systems could be designed.
- Building houses on stilts or on hillsides could be a more affordable approach for lower-income nations.
Test yourself on Adaptation to Climate Change
How have people started to adapt to changes caused by climate change?
What steps can be taken to improve the efficiency of water use?