5 Strategies that Achieve Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Simultaneously

Climate actions have often fallen into one of two strategies: mitigation efforts to lower or remove greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, andadaptationefforts to adjust systems and societies to withstand the impacts of climate change. The separation has led to the misinformed view that addressing climate change means pursuingeithermitigation或者adaptation.

This divide is counterproductive and dangerous, especially for coastal villages, farmers, small island nations and other communities at the frontlines of climate impacts. The reality is that adaptation and mitigation are two sides of the same coin. In fact, methods and technologies thatboth遏制气候变必威官网是真的吗化和cope with its impacts already exist.

It is not always possible or practical to work solely on actions that are both adaptive and mitigating. Nor are these actions a silver bullet to solving the climate crisis. Simply put, where they make sense, governments and communities should pursue such actions. Below are five solutions that can both curb climate change and help us cope with its impacts at the same time:

1. Protect Coastal Wetlands

盐沼，红树林和海草是独特的沿海生态系统，可作为天然水过滤系统和海洋栖息地。他们通过缓冲暴风雨和洪水，并在其根部和土壤中储存大量碳，以防止海平面上升。红树林目前持有相当于more than two years of global emissions, which would be released into the atmosphere and worsen the effects of climate change if these forests are destroyed.

Increasing protected coastal wetlands and recovering about 40% of the ecosystem’s global coverage by 2050 could mitigate one gigaton of CO₂per year —over three years of emissions. Efforts to maintain coastal wetlands must include local communities that rely on these ecosystems for their homes and livelihoods. Countries likeFiji和Papua New Guineahave successful experiences around community-based conservation and education to manage these wetlands and support the development of surrounding communities.

2.促进可持续农林业的好处

With land use changes from forestry and agriculture accounting fornearly 25% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, it’s clear that current land management schemes need to change. Agroforestry practices integrate diverse trees or shrubs with crops and livestock. In particular, pastures with trees can sequesterfive to 10 times more carbonthan treeless areas of the same size. Farmers can also be more productive by growing crops and raising livestock simultaneously using significantly less land. Diversifying crops and including livestock on these lands can give farmers additional sources of income and reduce the risks to livelihoods caused by climate change and unpredictable weather. Expanding the use of this method to 554 million acres globally, estimated to require an investment of $41.6 billion, could help farmers realize6990亿美元的财务收益from revenue diversification.

3. Decentralize Energy Distribution

Climate variability will negatively impact countries’ electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure. At the same time, development and population growth are increasing energy demand and usage. Centralized energy systems — with large power plants and infrastructure connected over long distances — are more vulnerable to climate change since disruptions at one point in the system can affect the entire network.

Decentralized systems — often powered by renewable energy, with shorter transmission lines and smaller distribution areas — are more climate-resilient. In the event of a disaster, a community with its own decentralized energy supply isn’t affected by power outages in other areas. Smaller, more manageable power sources can also recover from disasters more rapidly. Low-carbon technologies such as solar panels and batteries can also provide reliable, clean energy to critical services, likehospitals in remote areasthat aren’t already connected to the grid or experience frequent power outages.

4.确保土著人民的土地权利

Indigenous and local communities managealmost 50% of landon the planet, which up to 2.5 billion people depend on for their livelihoods. These communities have practiced adaptation principles on their lands over generations, developing a deep body of traditional knowledge that can help others understand how to adapt to a changing environment.

What’s more, places where indigenous people have legal rights to their land have at least two times lower deforestation rates than similar areas without secure tenure, as seen inBolivia, Brazil and Colombia. Indigenous people and local communities have protected forests that holda quarterof all above-ground carbon in tropical forests. Yet these communities legally ownless than one-fifthof this land. Securing indigenous peoples’ rights will ensure they can hold onto their land, protect natural resources and better sustain their livelihoods in the face of climate change.

5.改善质量运输

Road transport accounts for72% of global transportation-related emissions, a percentage which will continue to grow unless more low-carbon transportation options become available and accessible. Transportation infrastructure is also extremely vulnerable to climate change impacts like storms and extreme heat. Disruptions to the network due to extreme weather will disproportionately affect low-income people and other vulnerable urban populations who have fewer mobility options. Resilient, low-carbon mass transit addresses both challenges.

Expanding urban public transportation by 40% by 2050 could decrease the projected number of cars on the road and avoid6.6 gigatons of carbon emissions. Retrofitting and designing mass transit to withstand climate risks such as natural disasters, sea level rise or extreme heat ensures these transport options are safe and reliable in the long-term. These improvements can influence usage and better accommodate future growth.

Cities likeRome和Buenos Aireshave integrated additional adaptation measures like heat-proofing buses and greening stops and routes to improve the commute experience. Increased public transportation also has the added benefits of relieving traffic congestion, reducing accidents and fatalities, and improving air quality.

Prioritizing Climate Solutions that Multitask

These are just some examples of climate actions that address both adaptation and mitigation simultaneously. Many others exist and can accommodate different sectors, ecosystems, countries and communities. The climate crisis is massive and urgent. Given limited funding, resources and attention that can be allocated to solving it, policymakers need to prioritize such integrated efforts.