Climate change adaptation entails adjustments and changes that individuals and societies make to prepare for or adjust to the effects of climate change. Adaptation coupled with actions to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses is essential in limiting undesired impacts of climate change. It enables people, organizations and societies to anticipate the harmful effects of climate change while taking appropriate measures to prevent or minimize the damage. Adaptation also involves taking advantage of opportunities that may arise out of climate change. Studies have shown that well planned and timely adaption saves resources and lives (David, 14-25).
Personally, I believe that climate change is real and that there is little the world can do to reverse the situation, at least using available resources and technologies. However, I am optimistic that through adaptation, the undesired effects of climate change can be contained. It is my belief that individuals have a role to play in making climate change adaptation real (David, 44-51). Examples of climate change adaptation measures that individuals can implement include using scarce water resources efficiently, using renewable energy sources, planting more trees where they have been cut down and planting drought resilient crops. To adapt to climate change, I will do the following:
i. Plant a variety of trees around the family compound and the farm: tree planting is an important factor in climate change adaptation. Among other benefits, trees helps in air purification and provide shade during summers. Besides, trees are dark and thus absorb more of the sun’s energy than plain fields, which reflect it back to the atmosphere. They also emit gasses that help them protect human beings, wild animals, and livestock from stressors such as insect attack and heat. All these benefits make trees indispensable in climate change adaptation. Although I may not plant enough trees to cause a global impact, I believe that if each person on earth plants a tree, there will be enough trees in the world to slow down the process of climate change.
ii. Reduce water expenditure: water is essential to people’s everyday lives. Unfortunately, the global water supplies are limited. With this consideration in mind, one of the strategies I will use to adapt to climate change is water conservation. I endeavor to use as little water as it can be possible in the house. Some of the measures I will take to this effect include checking water pipes and faucets for leakages, installing water saving showerheads and low-flow water faucets, insulating water pipes and taking shorter showers. All these measures will reduce the amount of water I spend in the house. Besides, I will install equipment for harvesting and store rainwater for use during non-rain reasons. This way, I will rely less on tap water for especially after it has rained.
iii. Energy conservation: natural energy sources are being depleted at an alarming rate. For this reason, I will take steps to ensure that I minimize the amount of energy I spend in the house. In particular, I will use energy saving bulbs for lighting in the house. I will also install solar powered systems to capture sun’s energy for use in lighting. Additionally, I will buy low power electronic equipment for use in the house. Lastly, I will switch off all electrical equipment not in use to save on power consumption.
Work Cited
David Victor. Climate Change: Debating America's Policy Options. Boston: Council on Foreign Relations, 2004.
