In IB Geography, adaptation refers to actions taken to adjust to the impacts of climate change rather than reduce its causes. As climate change effects such as rising sea levels, extreme weather, and water scarcity become unavoidable, adaptation strategies are essential for building climate resilience, particularly in vulnerable regions.
One key adaptation strategy is infrastructure development. Coastal defences such as sea walls, flood barriers, and storm surge barriers are used to protect low-lying areas from rising sea levels and extreme storms. In river basins, flood management strategies such as levees, dams, and flood relief channels help reduce flood risk. While these approaches can be effective, they are often expensive and may transfer risk downstream rather than eliminate it entirely.
Another important adaptation strategy is urban planning and land-use management. Governments can reduce climate risk by restricting development in high-risk areas such as floodplains, unstable slopes, and coastal zones. Green infrastructure, including parks, wetlands, and permeable surfaces, helps absorb rainfall and reduce urban flooding. These strategies are particularly important as urban populations continue to grow.
Water management is central to climate adaptation. In regions facing increasing drought, strategies include building reservoirs, improving irrigation efficiency, recycling wastewater, and promoting water conservation. Desalination plants are used in some arid coastal regions, although they are energy-intensive and expensive. Effective water management increases resilience to changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures.
Adaptation also includes agricultural strategies. Farmers may switch to drought-resistant crops, change planting dates, or adopt more sustainable farming practices. Diversifying livelihoods reduces dependence on climate-sensitive agriculture and increases household resilience. These approaches are especially important in low-income countries where agriculture employs a large proportion of the population.
Community-based adaptation is another crucial element. Early warning systems, disaster preparedness training, and education programmes help communities respond more effectively to climate hazards. When local people are involved in planning and decision-making, adaptation strategies are more likely to be appropriate and successful.
In IB Geography, it is important to recognise that adaptation capacity varies. High-income countries generally have greater financial and technological resources to adapt, while low-income countries often depend on international aid and local knowledge. This highlights the link between climate resilience and development.
Overall, adaptation strategies reduce vulnerability and help societies cope with unavoidable climate impacts. While adaptation does not stop climate change, it plays a vital role in protecting lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students understand adaptation clearly by linking real-world strategies to syllabus concepts and exam-style evaluation.
