Adaptation and mitigation: synergies and trade-offs

Abstract

Typically, mitigation and adaptation research has been developed separately, with the mitigation research community focused on taking a global approach to limiting cumulative greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The adaptation research community, however, emphasises locally-focused analysis aimed at minimising the impacts of climate change, especially within the most vulnerable communities. International climate policy has historically developed with a focus on mitigation, though in recent years increased attention has been placed on adaptation. For example, at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP-21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, countries also committed toward adaptation responses within their Nationally Determined Contributions.