Adaptation and Mitigation: Global Initiatives with Particular Reference to South

Asia
What is Adaptation
Adaptation and mitigation are two fundamental strategies used to address the
challenges posed by climate change, each focusing on a different aspect of the problem.
Adaptation involves preparing for and responding to the current and anticipated impacts of
climate change. It acknowledges that even with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, certain climate impacts—such as rising sea levels, changing weather patterns,
and extreme weather events—are unavoidable. For example, coastal communities build
sea walls to protect against flooding, farmers adopt drought-resistant crops to ensure food
security, and cities redesign infrastructure to better handle heatwaves. Adaptation is
essentially about enhancing the resilience of people, ecosystems, and economies to
minimize the adverse effects of climate change.

What is Mitigation
On the other hand, mitigation addresses the root causes of climate change by reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks. It aims to limit the pace and
severity of global warming. For instance, countries are transitioning to renewable energy
sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower to replace fossil fuels. Reforestation projects
are being implemented to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while industries
and cities are adopting energy-efficient technologies. Mitigation also involves changes in
consumption patterns, such as promoting public transportation, reducing food waste, and
shifting toward plant-based diets, which have a smaller carbon footprint. The ultimate goal
of mitigation is to prevent dangerous levels of climate change by stabilizing or reducing
global temperatures.
Difference and inter-relatedness
While the two strategies have distinct goals, they are deeply interrelated. Mitigation helps
reduce the long-term risks of climate change by curbing its intensity, which in turn
decreases the scale of adaptation required. For instance, reducing emissions today can
limit the rise in sea levels, thus reducing the need for extensive and costly adaptation
measures in the future. However, since the impacts of climate change are already being
felt, adaptation is essential even if we aggressively pursue mitigation. For example, even
with efforts to reduce emissions, certain regions will still need to adapt to more frequent
droughts or floods.
Moreover, certain measures can serve both adaptation and mitigation purposes. For
instance, restoring mangroves not only protects coastal areas from storm surges
(adaptation) but also acts as a carbon sink, absorbing CO₂ (mitigation). Similarly,
improving energy efficiency in buildings reduces emissions (mitigation) while making
structures better prepared for extreme temperatures (adaptation). This
interconnectedness highlights the importance of a balanced and integrated approach to
climate change, where both strategies are pursued simultaneously to ensure a sustainable
and resilient future.

Steps, Strategies and Measures of Adaptation

Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)
The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) is a central component of the Paris Agreement,
committing all 196 parties to enhancing resilience, reducing vulnerability, and supporting
adaptation actions. It emphasizes the equal importance of adapting to climate change
alongside efforts to reduce emissions, recognizing the particular vulnerability of
developing countries to climate impacts and encouraging support for their adaptation
efforts. The GGA sets the foundation for global resilience strategies.
UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience
At COP 28 in Dubai, the GGA was redefined as the UAE Framework for Global Climate
Resilience. World leaders agreed on time-bound targets for specific sectors, including
water and sanitation, food and agriculture, poverty eradication, and livelihoods.
The adaptation cycle was introduced to guide countries on the necessary steps to plan
for and implement adaptation measures.

National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)

National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) are comprehensive, medium- and long-term
strategies that outline how countries will adapt to climate change and reduce vulnerability.
NAPs help prioritize adaptation efforts, integrate climate considerations into national
policies, and mobilize financial resources. They are closely linked to Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other national policies, ensuring a coordinated
approach to adaptation.
Global Examples of Adaptation
Tuvalu’s Land Reclamation
In the Pacific, Tuvalu has undertaken a significant project to protect against sea level rise
by reclaiming land using 270,000 cubic meters of sand. This initiative is vital for the low-
lying country, which covers only about 26 square kilometers.
Early Warning Systems in Malawi and Pakistan
Countries like Malawi and Pakistan are modernizing climate data systems and early
warning systems to better equip communities and policymakers with information to
protect lives and livelihoods from climate risks.
Nature-Based Solutions in Cuba and Colombia
Cuba and Colombia are leading the way in nature-based solutions. These include
restoring ecosystems like mangroves and wetlands to combat floods and droughts.
Colombia also integrates indigenous knowledge into its strategies, valuing local expertise
in adapting to environmental changes.
India’s National Adaptation Plans
In South Asia, India has made substantial progress in climate adaptation. India’s
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), launched in 2008, outlines eight
national missions focusing on sectors such as solar energy, sustainable agriculture,
and water conservation. These efforts aim to reduce vulnerabilities while promoting
sustainable development. India's National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change
(NAFCC) supports projects at the state and union level, addressing region-specific climate
risks. The fund facilitates the integration of adaptation measures into India’s development
policies.
Bhutan and Chad’s Adaptation Plans
Bhutan, the world’s first carbon-negative country, and Chad, both least developed
countries, have finalized comprehensive National Adaptation Plans. Bhutan’s plan, rooted
in its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, focuses on ecological conservation and
climate resilience. These plans represent years of meticulous planning and are crucial for
guiding future adaptation efforts.
Steps, Strategies and Measures of Mitigation (DIAGRAM AT THE END)
1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit, the UNFCCC aims to prevent dangerous
human interference with the climate system, with nearly universal membership. It
provides the foundation for international cooperation on climate change.
2. Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol, established in 1997, set legally binding emission reduction
targets for developed countries. Developing countries, however, were encouraged
to take on specific programs with support from developed nations through
mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which allowed
them to reduce emissions and enhance carbon sinks via projects.
3. Paris Agreement
Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement seeks to limit global temperature rise to
well below 2°C, aiming for 1.5°C. Under this agreement, countries submit
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline their commitments
to reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience. Developed countries support
developing nations through financial and technological assistance.
Other Global Initiatives
 Climate Action for Jobs Initiative: Focuses on creating green jobs while ensuring
a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
 Cool Coalition: Aims to provide efficient, climate-friendly cooling solutions to
reduce energy use and emissions.
 Energy Efficiency Alliance 3% Club: Aims to improve global energy efficiency by
3% annually.
 Powering Past Coal Alliance: Works to phase out coal as an energy source.
 NASA: Provides climate data and explores alternative energy solutions to reduce
dependence on fossil fuels.
 White House Emissions Initiative: Secures funding to cut industrial emissions
and expand clean manufacturing.
Developed vs. Developing Countries’ Roles in Mitigation
1. Developed Countries
Under the Kyoto Protocol, developed countries set economy-wide emission caps
and are required to take the lead in reducing emissions. They have also committed
to providing financial and technological support to developing nations.
2. Developing Countries
In the Copenhagen Accord (2009) and Rangoon Agreements (2010),
developing countries pledged to take Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions
(NAMAs) with support from developed countries. These actions focus on sectors
like energy, waste, and forestry. The Paris Agreement encourages developing
countries to reduce emissions, particularly through actions in the forestry sectors
such as reducing deforestation, enhancing carbon stocks, and promoting
sustainable forest management.
India’s Aims of Mitigation
India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), under the Paris Agreement,
aim to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030, compared to 2005
levels. India also focuses on increasing its share of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity to
50% by 2030. India’s mitigation efforts emphasize renewable energy (especially solar and
wind), energy efficiency, and sustainable forestry practices.
Support for Developing Countries
Both the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement stress the need for support to
developing countries. The Kyoto Protocol committed developed countries to minimize
the adverse economic, social, and environmental impacts on developing countries, a
principle also echoed in the Paris Agreement. To help assess and manage these impacts,
a forum under the Conference of Parties (COP) has been established to recommend
actions that can alleviate such effects.