Five Adaptation strategies and Mitigation strategies for Climate change (Africa)

Climate is the average weather conditions of a place over a long period of time usually 30-35 years. Over the years, the climate has been modified by both natural and anthropocentric factors. This has led to climate change which can be defined as; observed modifications in the familiar functioning (manifestations) of weather elements over a long time. 

This condition of climate change has brought about some effects on the earth’s surface that man and other living things are not familiar with. In reaction to this, it is necessary to use mitigation and adaptation methods in order to solve the problems of climate change.

I. MITIGATION METHODS

Mitigation of climate change refers to any human effort that leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or subjects them to constraints or removes carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. We can have the following for example.

1. Climate Change mitigation through the reduction of desertification and drought

Reducing desertification and drought presents two complementary ways of mitigating climate change in Cameroon. First, by slowing or halting degradation and associated emissions. Secondly, changes in land management practices can lead to greater carbon sequestration, that is, removing carbon from the atmosphere.

2. Climate Change mitigation through reforestation

This can be done through the replacement of trees being cut down in the forests. That is the rate of forest degradation should be reduced. During exploitation, measures should be put in place to make sure that the trees being cut down are actually replaced.

3. Climate Change mitigation through forestation

Areas where forests never existed should be afforested by planting trees. This will increase the amount of vegetation available to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

4. Climate Change mitigation through the use of sustainable agricultural systems

Stop unsustainable farming methods like the ‘slash and burn’ which destroys the soil and vegetation, and replace it with sustainable farming methods like the following method as well as the use of natural soil-enriching components in case of the practice of intensive farming. This will increase vegetation that will absorb greenhouse gases.

5. Climate Change mitigation through water conservation

The presence of water and rivers enables the growth of vegetation which reduces greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This hydrology can be conserved through the stop in the planting of eucalyptus trees along rivers and rather the planting of raffia palms which keep water on the surface

II. ADAPTATION METHODS 

Adaptation is defined as an adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.

1. Adaptation to climate change effects related to agriculture (in the case of drought)

Communities can conserve rainwater, for example by forming low dykes made of stones across the contour of a valley. When the rains come, the stones slow the flowing streams, causing water to sink deeper into the soil. Another method which can be used in areas of lower rainfall is by digging the ground deeper and wider in order to get closer to the water table. Then agriculture is practised in these large holes. Drought resistant crops can be planted

2. Adaptation to climate change effects related to floods

In the case of floods, a well-built drainage system, especially in urban areas should be constructed. Eucalyptus trees can be planted in swamps to dry the land.

3. Adaptation to climate change effects related to coastal areas

The creation of mangrove plantations will serve two important purposes. 

- Firstly, the trees reduce the water velocity, wave strength and wind energy. This helps protect coastal land, human life and assets invested in development. 

- Secondly, the new mangroves contribute to the production of valuable exports such as shrimp, crabs and high-value species of marine fish. This offers new employment opportunities to help the vulnerable population improve their livelihoods.

4. Adaptation to climate change effects related to water catchment areas

These areas can be protected by planting trees and reducing irrigation around them.

5. Adaptation to climate change effects related to the spread of diseases

Diseases such as cholera, malaria and typhoid spread more when climate change effects like floods, drought and heat levels increase. The sterilisation of drinking water and the use of mosquito nets are good adaptation methods in areas facing this problem.

Mitigation (tackling the causes of climate change) and adaptation (tackling the effects) are of course closely related. The amount of adaptation necessary will depend partly on the success of mitigation efforts. At the same time, some actions can help foster both adaptation and mitigation, such as sustainable agricultural systems, soil and water conservation measures involving planting trees which then absorb greenhouse gases or renewable energy initiatives that reduce dependence on fuel-wood collection.