Exploring the Increasing Frequency of Extreme Weather Events and the Urgency of Adaptive and Mitigating Measures
Climate change comes with a lot of unprecedented and extreme weather changes which impact the earth and communities in negative ways. As part of our Climate Emergency Response plan, here in County Durham, we do focus on the subject of adaptation which is a crucial element in preparing communities to withstand these adverse effects.
But what is adaptation exactly?
Climate adaptation refers to the process of adjusting to the changing climate in order to reduce vulnerability and build resilience to its impacts. It involves recognising the risks posed by climate change and implementing strategies to mitigate those risks, thereby protecting human communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
Adaptation can take various forms and may include measures such as:
- Infrastructure improvements: Upgrading buildings, roads, and other infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events such as floods, storms, and heatwaves.
- Ecosystem management: Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs, which provide vital services such as flood protection, water filtration, and habitat for wildlife.
- Water management: Implementing measures to conserve water resources, manage floods and droughts, and improve water quality in the face of changing precipitation patterns.
- Agricultural adaptation: Developing new crop varieties, farming techniques, and irrigation practices that are better suited to changing climate conditions, such as altered rainfall patterns and increased temperatures.
- Healthcare and public health: Strengthening healthcare systems and implementing public health interventions to address the health impacts of climate change, including heat-related illnesses, infectious diseases, and food insecurity.
- Community planning and development: Incorporating climate considerations into urban planning, land use zoning, and building codes to reduce exposure to climate risks and enhance community resilience.
- Early warning systems: Establishing systems to monitor climate-related hazards and provide timely warnings to vulnerable communities, allowing them to take proactive measures to protect lives and property.
Overall, climate adaptation is essential for minimising the negative impacts of climate change and ensuring the well-being of both human societies and the natural environment.
County Durham is feeling the effects of climate change too. Residents are experiencing first hand the unpredictable disasters and weather patterns through various storms which are becoming more extreme and frequent. Recently, you will have noted there has been a rise in windstorms and flooding incidents. The impact of Storm Arwen in 2022, for example, served as a stark reminder of the challenges we’re up against, and since then, we’ve seen more of these extreme weather events. As such occurrences become more common and intense, the risks to public health, infrastructure, and the economy escalate. The loss of native land and animal species, heightened strain on the NHS, and increased insurance costs are just a few examples of the growing challenges we face.
How is this different to mitigation?
Climate mitigation refers to efforts aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other pollutants into the atmosphere to lessen the impacts of climate change. Mitigation strategies are designed to limit the magnitude of global warming and its associated effects, such as rising temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.
Mitigation actions can include:
- Transitioning to renewable energy: This involves shifting from fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power. By generating electricity from sources that produce little to no greenhouse gases, the overall emissions from the energy sector can be significantly reduced.
- Improving energy efficiency: Enhancing energy efficiency across various sectors, including transportation, buildings, industry, and agriculture, can reduce energy consumption and, consequently, greenhouse gas emissions. This may involve using energy-efficient appliances, implementing building insulation, upgrading transportation systems, and optimising industrial processes.
- Afforestation and reforestation: Planting trees and restoring forests can help sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, as trees absorb CO2 during photosynthesis. Forest conservation and restoration efforts can also enhance biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and contribute to climate resilience.
- Adopting sustainable land management practices: Implementing sustainable agriculture techniques, such as no-till farming, crop rotation, agroforestry, and improved grazing practices, can reduce emissions from land use and increase carbon sequestration in soils.
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS): CCS technologies capture CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power plants before they are released into the atmosphere. The captured CO2 is then transported and stored underground in geological formations, preventing it from contributing to climate change.
- Promoting low-carbon transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation, electric vehicles, biking, and walking can reduce emissions from the transportation sector, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Enhancing waste management: Implementing strategies such as recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy conversion can help reduce methane emissions from landfills and other sources of organic waste.
Climate mitigation is essential for limiting global warming to levels that avoid the most severe impacts of climate change and is a key component of international efforts to address climate change, such as the Paris Agreement.
Climate mitigation and adaptation are two interconnected strategies aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change, albeit from different angles. In summary, climate mitigation and adaptation are interconnected strategies that address different aspects of climate change but are both essential for managing its impacts and building a more sustainable and resilient future.
What are we doing?
We play a big role in addressing climate change and helping build resilience for the county while working with communities across the board. Projects such as installing solar panels and battery storage at the Morrison Busty depot in Annfield Plain are part of the steps towards energy resilience. The County Durham Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Water Cycle Study, and Local Flood Risk Management Strategy help make informed decisions in flood related disasters and manage flooding effectively.
What can you do?
We need your help to reach our goals and deal with unpredictable weather. You can make a big difference by cutting down on carbon emissions through simple actions like walking, biking, or taking public transit. This can help lessen the effects of climate change and possibly reduce extreme weather events. Supporting local businesses in adopting climate-friendly practices, promoting renewable energy, and getting prepared for natural disasters by staying informed and participating in community resilience efforts are all ways you can adjust as an individual.
Adapting to climate change is a necessity. As extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and are becoming more severe, building resilience is crucial towards a sustainable and strong future for County Durham.
