Ecosystem-based adaptation

Definition

Ecosystem-based adaptation refers to the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. This approach recognizes that healthy ecosystems can provide essential services, such as flood regulation, water purification, and food security, which are critical for resilience in the face of environmental changes. By integrating natural systems into adaptation strategies, this method promotes sustainable practices that not only help mitigate climate effects but also enhance biodiversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ecosystem-based adaptation emphasizes the importance of conserving and restoring ecosystems as a way to enhance community resilience against climate change impacts.
2. Examples of ecosystem-based adaptation include restoring wetlands to mitigate flooding and using agroforestry practices to improve soil health and increase crop resilience.
3. This approach not only addresses climate adaptation but also supports biodiversity conservation and sustainable development goals.
4. Ecosystem-based adaptation can be more cost-effective compared to traditional engineering solutions for climate resilience, as it often relies on natural processes.
5. Stakeholder involvement is crucial in implementing ecosystem-based adaptation, ensuring that local knowledge and needs are integrated into planning and decision-making.

Review Questions

• How does ecosystem-based adaptation utilize natural systems to enhance community resilience against climate change?
  • Ecosystem-based adaptation leverages the functions of healthy ecosystems to provide critical services that help communities cope with climate impacts. For instance, restoring coastal mangroves can reduce storm surge risks, while maintaining wetlands can improve water quality and flood control. By using these natural processes, communities become less dependent on costly infrastructure and can achieve greater resilience through sustainable practices that promote biodiversity.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of ecosystem-based adaptation compared to traditional engineering solutions for addressing climate change impacts.
  • Ecosystem-based adaptation is often more effective than traditional engineering solutions because it provides multiple co-benefits beyond just climate resilience. While engineering projects may offer immediate protection against climate impacts, they can be costly and may not be sustainable in the long term. In contrast, ecosystem-based approaches harness natural processes which can improve ecological health, support local economies through resource provision, and enhance social well-being by connecting communities with nature.
• Assess the challenges associated with implementing ecosystem-based adaptation strategies in various socio-economic contexts.
  • Implementing ecosystem-based adaptation faces several challenges across different socio-economic contexts. These challenges include insufficient funding for restoration projects, lack of technical expertise, competing land-use priorities, and limited awareness among stakeholders about the benefits of such approaches. Additionally, political barriers may hinder collaboration among various sectors or institutions. Addressing these challenges requires integrating local knowledge with scientific research while fostering partnerships among communities, governments, and NGOs to create tailored strategies that meet specific needs.

Related terms

Climate Resilience: The ability of a system, community, or society to resist, absorb, and recover from the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits provided by natural ecosystems to humans, including provisioning services (like food and water), regulating services (such as climate regulation), and cultural services (like recreational and aesthetic benefits).

Nature-Based Solutions: Strategies that utilize natural processes and ecosystem functions to address societal challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and water security.