Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Climate Change Adaptation (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies
As the impacts of climate change increase, it is essential to implement adaptation strategies to reduce adverse effects and maximise any potential positive outcomes
Climate change adaptation strategies focus on building resilience and adapting to changing climate conditions
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies
Adaptation Strategy | How to Implement Strategy |
|---|---|
Flood Defences | Construct and reinforce flood protection infrastructure (levees, flood barriers, coastal defences) Implement sustainable drainage systems (SUDs) to manage and control excess water during heavy rainfall events Restore and preserve natural floodplains, wetlands, and mangroves as natural buffers against flooding |
Vaccination Programmes | Develop and implement proactive public health measures, including vaccination programs Strengthen disease surveillance systems to monitor and respond to climate-related health impacts, such as the spread of vector-borne diseases in new regions |
Desalination Plants | Invest in desalination technologies to increase freshwater availability in water-scarce regions Ensure sustainability through energy-efficient methods, renewable energy use and responsible environmental management |
Planting of Crops in Previously Unsuitable Areas | Expand cultivation into areas now suitable due to shifting climate patterns Diversify crop varieties to adapt to new environmental conditions and enhance food security |
Adapting Agricultural Practices | Promote adoption of drought-resistant crops and resilient crop varieties Implement soil management techniques to conserve water and nutrients in changing climate conditions |
Land Zoning and Building Code Changes | Update zoning regulations to consider climate risks like sea-level rise and extreme weather events E.g. restrict development in areas prone to flooding or require elevated construction; limit development along vulnerable coastlines Strengthen building codes to enhance resilience against hurricanes, floods, wildfires and heatwaves E.g. enforce building materials and landscaping practices that reduce fire risk; promote green spaces and reflective building materials to mitigate urban heat islands |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Mitigation Strategies aim to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases and lessen the severity of future climate change.
Adaptation Strategies, on the other hand, focus on adjusting and preparing for the impacts of climate change that are already occurring or are inevitable.
Adaptation Plans
Adaptation plans are strategies designed to help individuals, communities and societies cope with the impacts of climate change
These plans aim to:
Reduce vulnerability to climate-related hazards
Increase resilience to climate change impacts
National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs)
What are NAPAs?
NAPAs are plans developed by Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to identify and prioritise urgent adaptation needs
These plans are submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
They focus on immediate actions to address climate change impacts, particularly in sectors like agriculture, water resources and health
For example:
Bangladesh: has implemented NAPA projects to improve flood forecasting and early warning systems
Malawi: has developed strategies to enhance food security through drought-resistant crops and sustainable land management
Resilience and adaptation plans
Resilience plans aim to strengthen the ability of communities and ecosystems to recover from climate shocks
Adaptation plans focus on long-term strategies to adjust to changing climate conditions
For example:
New York City One NYC plan: includes measures to protect against coastal flooding and enhance green infrastructure
Netherlands Delta Programme: involves constructing robust flood defences and adaptive water management systems to protect against sea-level rise
UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) identifies key risks and adaptation priorities, such as flood risk management and resilient infrastructure
UN Development Programme (UNDP) Assistance
Role of UNDP
The UNDP helps developing countries create and implement adaptation plans
Provides technical and financial support to address the most imminent impacts of climate change
Process:
Assess local vulnerabilities and climate risks
Develop action plans prioritising urgent needs
Implement projects with community involvement
For example:
Samoa, with UNDP support, has improved its coastal infrastructure to protect communities from storm surges
Bhutan has developed climate-resilient agricultural practices to adapt to changing weather patterns
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