In Earth Day, as we reflect on the state of our planet and the challenges we face, there arises a fundamental question: do we need to focus on to mitigate or adapt to climate change and its inevitable consequences? Two strategies are different, although complementary, with a common goal: to act in the face of the devastating consequences of this phenomenon. The answer, in reality, is that we need a comprehensive strategy that addresses both aspects simultaneously and complementary.
- Mitigation of climate change: Currently, the mitigation focuses on reducing the emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and limit global warming. This approach implies the adoption of measures such as the transition to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, reforestation and reducing deforestation, among others. To address the root causes of climate change, mitigation seeks to prevent the most severe impacts on the environment and society.
- Climate change adaptation: The adaptation is focused on adjusting our communities, economies and ecosystems to cope with the impacts already unavoidable climate change. This includes the implementation of measures such as the construction of infrastructure resilient to extreme weather events, the sustainable management of water resources, the protection of coastal zones vulnerable and promoting agricultural practices resilient.
A comprehensive strategy
Climate change is undeniable and continues to move forward, due to the global emissions of greenhouse gases that are currently at its highest level in history. Two of the main consequences of climate change more severe effects impending to the global level are: the temperature rise, with the estimated increase in the annual average of between about 1.1 degrees and 1.8 degrees between 2023-2027; and drought, as that in 2022 we live in the hottest summer in history, killing over 16 thousand lives before the extreme conditions.
However, the effects are not limited only to environmental degradation. According to the Global Compact, it is estimated that the impacts of climate may force to nearly 215 million people to migrate within their own countries by 2050, and expose up to 600 million people to malnutrition by 2080.
All this shows that the devastating consequences of climate change reach critical levels, it is therefore vital to both mitigation and adaptation to it. That is to say, to drive in both areas to stop its advance, to reduce their effects and to prepare for a new stage. In general, the mitigation is critical to address the root causes of climate change and avoid the impacts of catastrophic long-term. However, given the reality of the effects are already evident climate change, adaptation is also crucial to protect people and vulnerable ecosystems.
Both approaches are essential, but the priority may depend on the context and the specific needs of each region and community, so it is necessary to design a comprehensive strategy that combines both modalities and adapt to the goals and challenges that is dominant in the region and sector to apply. Implement complementary measures is critical to building a society that is more resilient and sustainable. This means reducing emissions to limit warming future, at the same time that we prepare for the impacts of climate that are already occurring and will continue to increase in the future.
Some examples of actions that can be implemented both to mitigate and adapt to climate change can be:
In this context, the volunteer plays a vital role in the fight against climate change to mobilize communities, promote awareness and action, and support the implementation of practical and sustainable solutions. When you join as volunteers, individuals can make a significant difference in the construction of a future that is more sustainable and resilient for all. In Hacesfalta.orgyou can find all kinds of offers to collaborate with organizations that seek to improve the environmental health and curb climate change. You can also join to the communityAccionporelclima.organd step into the activism against the climate crisis.
On Earth Day and every day, we must commit ourselves to work together in the search for solutions in a comprehensive and sustainable to address climate change. By doing this, we can protect our planet and to build a safer, more prosperous future for present and future generations. Either mitigating emissions, adapting to the unavoidable impacts, defending the climate justice for those most affected, or helping with volunteer activities, each action in the fight for a sustainable future for our planet and all the life forms that inhabit it.
