Adaptation vs Mitigation in 60 Seconds
When tackling climate change, there are two main approaches: mitigation and adaptation.
Mitigation tackles the cause by cutting greenhouse gas emissions, for example, switching to renewable energy or improving efficiency.
Adaptation tackles the effects by adjusting to the changes already here, like building flood defences, redesigning cities for heat, or protecting coastlines.
We need both.
Mitigation stops the problem from getting worse.
Adaptation protects us from what’s already locked in.
Think of it like this:
If your house is flooding, mitigation is turning off the tap; adaptation is grabbing a mop and raising the furniture.
Neither works alone.
Together, they’re how we turn crisis management into climate resilience.
Cut the cause. Face the effect. Do both well.
💬 3 Questions to Spark a Chat
Which adaptation measures are most relevant to your organisation or community?
What mitigation actions could have the biggest impact in your sector?
How can adaptation and mitigation work together in your strategy rather than separately?
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