Evaluating Strategies
CLIMATE PROJECT/ LESSON 3.1ACTIVITY EVALUATING STRATEGIES1Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “Evaluating Strategies”, OER Project, https://www.oerproject.com/PurposeThe article “How Can We Take on Climate Change?” encourages you to think deeper about what makes a climate solution effective. Continue constructing your understanding of how you can assess climate solutions in your daily life.Process1.What do you think are the most important criteria for measuring success for mitigation solutions? In other words, how would you decide if a mitigation strategy is worth pursuing?2.What do you think are the most important criteria for measuring success for adaptation solutions? In other words, how would you decide if an adaptation strategy is worth pursuing?
CLIMATE PROJECT / LESSON 3.1ACTIVITY EVALUATING STRATEGIES2Consider the following examples of climate solutions and determine how effective each solution is in addressing climate change.A state government launches a campaign to plant millions of trees as a way to combat climate change. They argue that as the trees mature, they will absorb more and more carbon dioxide. They also say that this solution will help provide shade in the hot summer months and improve air quality in urban areas. Critics are concerned that newly planted trees won't grow fast enough to make a significant impact in the short term. They also worry that not all areas of the state have the necessary conditions for the trees to thrive, and that it will lead to land-use conflicts.Effectiveness of thisstrategy:High Medium LowWould you pursue this strategy? Explain your reasoning.A coastal city frequently hit by storm surges and rising sea levels decides to invest billions in building large seawalls along its coastline. The walls are designed to protect homes and businesses from flooding, potentially saving the city from devastating losses during storms. However, some environmental groups warn that the walls could harm local marine life, disrupt natural water flow, and only offer temporary protection as sea levels continue to rise. Others argue that the money spent on walls could be better invested in longer-term solutions.Effectiveness of thisstrategy:High Medium LowWould you pursue this strategy? Explain your reasoning.
CLIMATE PROJECT / LESSON 3.1ACTIVITY EVALUATING STRATEGIES3To reduce emissions from transportation, a country introduces large subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs). The goal is to make EVs more affordable for the average person. Sales of EVs increase, and more people are driving EVs. But some critics point out that the electricity used to charge these vehicles still largely comes from coal and natural gas power plants. Additionally, the mining and production of EV batteries raise environmental concerns, as do the challenges of recycling them.Effectiveness as a mitigationstrategy:High Medium LowEffectiveness as an adaptationstrategy:High Medium LowWould you pursue this strategy? Explain your reasoning.