6.3 Mitigation & Adaptation CC

6.3.1 To avoid the risk of catastrophic climate change, global action is required, rather than measures adopted only by certain states.

Consider the concept of state sovereignty and the subsequent need for international cooperation through negotiation, protocols, conventions and treaties. Include an awareness of the various UN treaties and protocols addressing climate change. Include the possibility of sanctions such as cross-border carbon taxes.

6.3.2 Decarbonization of the economy means reducing or ending the use of energy sources that result in CO2 emissions and their replacement with renewable energy sources.

Include the concept of carbon neutrality and the varied dates that states have set for achieving.

6.3.3 A variety of mitigation strategies aim to address climate change.

There are three main categories of mitigation strategies.

• Reducing the process of global warming—for example, making household changes, large scale geoengineering interventions.

• Reducing production of GHGs—for example, energy-efficiency measures, renewable energy, food choice changes, agriculture changes, carbon tax.

• Removing CO2 from the atmosphere—for example, through carbon sinks, rewilding, afforestation, carbon capture and storage.

Consider at least two examples from each category.

6.3.4 Adaptation strategies aim to reduce adverse effects of climate change and maximize any positive consequences.

There are two main categories of adaptation strategies.

1. Structural adaptations—examples include flood defences, desalination plants, movable infrastructure

2. Non-structural changes—examples include adapting agricultural practices (such as drought-resistant crops), vaccination for new diseases, land zoning and building code changes

Consider at least two examples from each category.

Application of skills: Create surveys to investigate attitudes to a proposed solution in the school or community to mitigate climate change.

6.3.5 Individuals and societies on a range of scales are developing adaptation plans, such as National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs), and resilience and adaptation plans.

The UN Development Programme provides a process whereby developing countries can obtain assistance to develop local priority activities to address the imminent consequences of climate change.