Definition
To adjust the way we do things across varying sectors to account for the current and predicted effects of climate change to reduce the risks that climate change brings. Global greenhouse gas emissions are currently rising and even if we were to reach net-zero by 2050, the average temperature will still increase for the next few decades.[1] Reforestation (as you can read about in the article) is an example of an adaptation strategy as it prevents land from becoming less able to support plant and tree life and reduces the chances of soil erosion and flooding.[2] There are many techniques, a few of which are discussed in this article, that can deter natural disasters, monitor and assess climate change, and diversify and thus strengthen crop resilience.
Ecosystem-based adaptation
This utilises nature-based solutions as an adaptation strategy, essentially restoring and protecting nature to achieve various results such as sucking CO2 from the air, act as buffers against extreme weather and protect various structures, crops, and water.
Planting trees can take many forms and there are multiple strategies using them, one such is mangrove trees which can be used to break against waves before they hit the shore and thus decrease the possibility of the sea breaching people’s land. They have been found to be 2-5 times more cost-effective than engineered structures at lowering wave heights. Urban tree cover uses the same principle to overcome vastly different problems; the trees cool the surrounding air (with the power of up to 10 air-conditioning units) by releasing water through their leaves and according to one study can reduce the cost of air-conditioning by up to 30% in detached houses. In addition to this, trees in Cypress have been found to provide a natural firebreak from wildfires as they are able to resist the blaze due to the leaves which retain lots of water and when fallen provide a wet base around the trunk. [3]
Crop diversification (adding new crops to production on a farm) and the introduction of new and improved species can enhance plant productivity, quality, health, and nutritional value as well as building resistance to diseases pests and environmental stresses. There are thousands of existing varieties of all the main crops, these have a varied ability to adapt to climate conditions and identifying those that do can be very important for farmers. Varieties can be developed to resist pests, water scarcity and salinity (saltiness) and heat stresses. These changes could ensure productivity for food doesn’t decrease and could possibly even allow for an improvement. [4]
Networks and Systems
The Global Adaptation Network (GAN) is a way of sharing knowledge, connecting most continents and many organisations that allows for the exchange of vital information to those who need them. The network works on various projects working on adaptation and each benefit from it as it allows for collaboration, funding and networking and once these solutions are developed, GAN distributes this widely and to wherever needs them most. One of the key aspects to it is its forum which allows experts to come together and discuss various topics.[5]
A monitoring system for climate change that forecasts and provides early disaster warnings is vital for people at national and local levels. The Global Climate Observing system does exactly that, it collects data from many states and shares the expected changes and thus supports research in the modelling of the climate to help plan for adaptation efficiently. The system integrates observations from satellites, ground-based technology from meteorological centres and other bodies which carry out regular observations in standard ways however ensuring these are consistent and accurate is difficult as it is costly to install and maintain the necessary equipment. [4]
To effectively planning for adaptation GCOS can improve monitoring by, improving observation systems, recovering historical data, providing education and training and boost weather monitoring systems. This is expensive as 10 regions require over US$ 200 million to improve their systems alone. These systems enable the integration of national early warning systems, GIS mapping of vulnerable areas, meteorological information on flooding and droughts, as well as the mapping of disease outbreaks. It facilitates disaster preparedness and adaptation planning which is invaluable to agriculture as environmental conditions have a huge impact on the national food supply and people’s livelihoods.[4]
[1] Adaptation to climate change – Climate Action – European Commission [Internet]. Climate Action – European Commission. 2021 [cited 22 September 2021]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation_en
[2] Ecosystem-based Adaptation [Internet]. UNEP. 2021 [cited 22 September 2021]. Available from: https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/climate-action/what-we-do/climate-adaptation/ecosystem-based-adaptation
[3] Six ways nature can protect us from climate change [Internet]. UNEP. 2021 [cited 22 September 2021]. Available from: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/six-ways-nature-can-protect-us-climate-change
[4] Clements, R., J. Haggar, A. Quezada, and J. Torres. Technologies for Climate Change Adaptation – Agriculture Sector. X. Zhu (Ed.). UNEP Risø Centre, Roskilde, 2011 [cited 22 September 2021]. Available from: https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/6848/1/TNA_Guidebook_-_Adaptation_technologies__in_Agri_Sector_Aug_2011.pdf
[5]Knowledge, analysis and networking [Internet]. UNEP. 2021 [cited 22 September 2021]. Available from: https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/climate-change/what-we-do/climate-adaptation/knowledge-analysis-and-networking