S4.14.8 For the adult
Responding to climate change
Leila’s village gets less reliable rain, and her town needs more power. What can people do about the causes of climate change, and about its effects?
What this chapter teaches
There are two kinds of response to climate change. Mitigation cuts greenhouse gas emissions, mainly with cleaner electricity, less wasted energy, cleaner transport, better farming and forests, and cuts in methane. Adaptation protects people from the changes that are coming. Examples are storing water, growing new crops, building coastal defences and giving warnings.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- What is the difference between mitigation and adaptation, and why are both needed?
- Why do wind and solar power give out much less greenhouse gas than coal, but not none?
- How could a family or village store water for a dry season?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Compare ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions
- Explain how people adapt, such as by storing water and growing new crops
What they copy into their notebook
Mitigation cuts emissions: clean power, less waste, better farming. Adaptation protects people: store water, new crops, coastal defences, warnings. Both are needed.