Climate Change Adaptation
Driving Question: How can we adapt to climate change?
Explore the ways that we can respond to the impacts of a warming planet. Research and assess adaptation solutions to decide where to focus our efforts to make the biggest difference in reducing the impacts of climate change.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate different adaptation strategies.
- Identify solutions that will benefit the most people.
- Research and advocate for an adaptation strategy.
Vocab Terms:
- adaptation
- aquaculture
- Climate Information Services (CIS)
- geothermal
- resilience
- weatherization
How can we effectively address the impacts of climate change? Explore the connections between climate effects and the strategies designed to tackle them.
This visual aid will help students with the activity—but it can also be a helpful reference as students explore additional adaptation solutions throughout the lesson.
What do we mean when we talk about adaptation? Use the graphic to help answer the questions in the activity.
Unpacking Adaptation Areas
In this course, we evaluate climate solutions based on the criteria of time, cost, and impact potential.
The article “How Can We Take On Climate Change?” from the previous lesson helps students understand the difference between adaptation and mitigation solutions.
We’re already feeling some impacts of climate change, so what can we do? Read the article to explore adaptation solutions, and then apply what you’ve learned as you evaluate solutions in the activity.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the article. Be sure to look at the section headings and any images.
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- What is one way infrastructure can be adapted to withstand climate change?
- How can agriculture adapt to changing climate conditions to ensure food security?
- What is one way health systems can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change?
- What role do ecological solutions play in climate adaptation?
- What are some water management strategies that help communities adapt to climate change?
- Why does local context matter in implementing adaptation solutions?
After you read
Respond to this question: What’s one adaptation solution you think would make an impact in your community? Why?
If you haven’t already done the activity Claim Testing: Evaluating Authority, we recommend you complete that intro lesson before completing this activity.
Watch the video to explore one promising adaption solution to build economic and food security for people most at risk to climate change. Then, use the activity to practice testing the claims you heard.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you watch
Preview the questions below, and then review the transcript.
While you watch
Look for answers to these questions:
- What are the main challenges climate change poses to small-scale fish farmers?
- What is Climate Information Services (CIS)?
- What are some of the dangers fish farmers face?
- How do climate-smart procedures like farm-friendly climate calendars help fish farmers adapt to changing weather patterns?
- Why is CIS a promising tool in Bangladesh?
- What are some communication strategies being used to get climate and weather information directly to farmers?
After you watch
Respond to this question: How can accurate, individualized weather data improve the lives of people in communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change?
Not just New York…urban areas around the world are seeing skyrocketing rat populations. Thanks to rising temperatures that boost rats’ reproductive rate and extend their breeding season, these rodents are thriving.
Our communities must adapt in order to respond to climate impacts. Study the infographic to explore the best strategies for building a climate-ready future, and then use your creativity to rise to the challenge in the activity.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the full infographic, paying attention to things like prominent colors, numbers, charts, and types of text. How do you know where to start and in which direction to read? How do you know which numbers are most important? What concept is the focus of the graphic?
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- How is the number of people living in cities predicted to change in the future?
- What problems do cities present in the face of climate change?
- How can weatherization help make our buildings more resilient?
- How can planting trees around a building act as a climate change adaptation solution?
- What is natural heating and cooling, and how can it help make buildings more resilient?
After you read
Respond to this question: What are other adaptation solutions that could help make our cities more resilient and livable?
This lesson has provided plenty of examples of adaptation solutions, but we certainly haven’t covered them all. Time for some research.
Communities are experiencing the impacts of climate change in different ways, which means they need different solutions to address those impacts.
