Which scenario best demonstrates a climate change adaptation measure?

• A. Installing solar panels to reduce emissions
• B. Replacing coal plants with natural gas for lower emissions
• C. Building flood defenses to reduce vulnerability to floods
• D. Dedicating funds to renewable energy innovation

Answer: (C)

Adaptation focuses on adjusting to the impacts of climate change to lessen harm. Building flood defenses reduces the vulnerability of people and infrastructure to floods, which climate change is expected to intensify. It’s about coping with or preparing for changes in climate, not stopping them.

The other options aim to lower future climate change by reducing emissions or expanding clean energy, which are mitigation efforts. Installing solar panels lowers greenhouse gas emissions; replacing coal with natural gas reduces emissions; and funding renewable energy innovation promotes cleaner energy and longer-term emission reductions.

So, creating flood defenses best demonstrates adapting to climate impacts rather than preventing the climate change itself.