2.2 – can’t we just live with climate change?
Note: development in progress…
overview of climate adaptation
Carbon taxes, GHG emissions cap-and-trade programs, etc., are policies focused on GHG mitigation. Climate adaptation is how we alter our behavior, systems, or way-of-life to reduce the impact of climate change. Adaptation can lower the cost of climate change. Both adaptation and mitigation cost money and possess risks.
There are a few mechanisms for climate adaptation:
- Technological (e.g., sea walls)
- Behavioral (e.g., change in food choices, migration)
- Managerial (e.g., change farm practices)
- Policy (e.g., regulations)
A good example of adapting to climate-induced extreme heat is the adoption of air conditioning. Air conditioning is costly, but reduces mortality from extreme temperatures. As colder regions get warmer, we should expect to see penetration rates of air conditioning increase. This is an example of technological adaptation.
Of course, adaptation is costly and individuals (or regions or countries) with greater incomes will be better able to adapt to climate change. This means that climate change will could exacerbate inequality.