There is general agreement that the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is increasing due to anthropogenic climate change – supported by observations over the past years and predicted for the future. Even the set target of 1.5°C global warming means locally extreme conditions such as prolonged heat waves or more severe precipitation events. Therefore, we need to adapt to the changes, and we need to start now!
Nature based solutions become more attractive
One widespread reaction to increasing heat is air conditioning. In many cities they already have been shaping the streets’ images for a while, but even though they cause more comfortable conditions indoors, they actually worsen the heat outside. This is due to two reasons: on the one hand the warm air from the inside is released outside, and on the other hand they still (mostly) use energy based on fossil fuels, thereby not only locally impacting the prevailing conditions, but also contributing to anthropogenic climate change. In contrast, nature-based solutions (e.g., green facades) or passive cooling methods (e.g., shading system) are becoming increasingly attractive as an alternative because they provide good indoor climate without negatively impacting the outside.
New mitigation pathways
This example shows that adapting to climate change needs to consider the effects of the adaptation measure on mitigation efforts. There are different options to adapt to climate change, dependent on different aspects such as the type of hazard and characteristics of the affected regions, and it’s complex to keep an overview and to identify the best option.
For this reason, KNOWING develops a framework to comprehensively assesses the effects and interplay of adaptation and mitigation measures to support the selection of mutually supporting adaptation measures within an effective mitigation pathway.
