Adapting to climate change can be quite difficult, whether it’s the threat of more severe storms or changes in weather patterns that have adverse effects on food supply. However, there are some easy ways to be good at adapting to climate change and preventing the worst of its effects from taking place. Climate Change Adaptation: How to Be Good at It outlines five simple strategies that will help you and your community prepare for and combat the negative effects of climate change.
Prepare for Heat Waves
Heat waves are becoming increasingly common, and there’s not much most of us can do about it—except be prepared. Find out how you can protect yourself, your family and pets during a heat wave. There are things we can all do to prepare ourselves for what might come in terms of extreme weather events—this gives you some practical steps you can take today so that if they happen tomorrow, you’ll be ready! You can start by preparing an emergency kit and making sure you have plenty of water on hand. This also includes stocking up on nonperishable foods (don’t forget pet food!) and keeping a few extra gallons around just in case natural disasters strike where you live. Having these items handy will help ensure you won’t get stuck in your home without power or water when those elements become scarce.
Prepare for a Water Shortage
Water shortages are becoming more common, especially in heavily populated areas. Luckily, it is easy to prepare for a water shortage – just install a rainwater harvesting system. This will allow you to collect and save rainwater when it rains, which can then be used for irrigation or even drinking if necessary. Rainwater harvesting systems are fairly simple and inexpensive; there are many online resources that can help you install one if you need further assistance. If your city has a municipal program to provide free rain barrels, consider taking advantage of it!
Prepare For Storms
Most of us know what it means to be prepared, but we rarely think about preparing for unexpected changes in climate. Are you ready for storms? If not, take some time now to devise a storm response plan before disaster strikes. Having a plan will help you save money and other resources after an event, because you won’t have to scramble looking for food and shelter when your house has just been flooded by a hurricane. When planning for an emergency, don’t forget to include steps like these:
1. Find out where shelters are located and make sure you can get there easily if need be.
2. Figure out how you’ll get enough water, especially if utilities are down or running low on supply.
Prepare For Hurricanes
Think your city has no risk of hurricanes? Think again. The National Hurricane Center says, During hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30 each year, it only takes one hurricane making landfall near you to create a disaster. No matter where you live in America, now is a good time to get ready for a hurricane. The following advice will help keep your family and home safe if one were ever to hit your area….
1) Do you live in an evacuation zone? _____ Yes _____ No
2) Does your family have a plan for what to do if there’s a hurricane warning? _____ Yes _____ No
3) Are there any areas of your home that are particularly vulnerable during storms or floods, such as windows, balconies, doorways or staircases? If so, be sure they’re covered with storm shutters or other protective measures.
Prepare For Shifts in Natural Disasters
Climate change is increasing both our vulnerability and exposure to natural disasters. Extreme weather events, including floods, droughts and severe storms, will continue to become more common around the world. Additionally, many of these types of events are expected to occur in areas that were previously not vulnerable because they did not experience them before. Preparing for these events requires increased knowledge about climate change adaptation strategies so you can protect yourself and your family. For example, when buying a home or building new structures on land, it’s important to consider its risk factors when it comes to extreme weather patterns. For example, if a region was prone to flooding before but no longer has a river running through it—and instead has seen an increase in drought-related conditions—it might be smart to build your home away from low-lying land.
