Adaptation versus mitigation funding

This video focuses on the distribution of funds between the two approaches of adaptation and mitigation, and how governments try to balance these.

Climate mitigation concentrates on reduction of emissions that cause climate change. Climate adaptation concentrates on ways to change the way we live in order to be resilient to climate change.

Climate adaptation may cost more than climate mitigation. Adaptation calls for holistic and inclusive thinking. Governments are often faced with the dilemma of which approach to take in response to climate change– mitigation or adaptation.

Currently, most funds are directed towards climate mitigation. For example, in 2018 approximately 93% of climate funds were geared to mitigation and just 5% for adaptation.