What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet and changes in weather patterns as a result of increased levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants in the atmosphere. These changes are caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, as well as natural factors like changes in the sun’s intensity. The effects of climate change include more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and storms, as well as rising sea levels and changes in the distribution of plants and animals.
Adaptation and mitigation are two strategies that are commonly used to address climate change.
Climate Change Adaptation
Adaptation involves taking action to reduce the negative effects of climate change and to cope with the changes that are already happening or are expected to happen. This can include things like building sea walls to protect against rising sea levels or developing drought-resistant crops.
Climate Change Mitigation
Mitigation, on the other hand, involves taking action to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and to slow the rate of global warming. This can include things like reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and using clean, renewable energy sources instead. It can also involve things like planting trees, which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Both adaptation and mitigation are important for addressing climate change and will likely be necessary to address the full range of its impacts.
