Adaptation and Mitigation

Positives

• The video uses fun, cartoonish graphics to demonstrate adaptation and mitigation measures and may inspire students to create their own art related to the topic.
• The examples of climate change consequences effectively describe economic reasons climate change is harmful for Wisconsin, which may be an important angle to garner attention from certain stakeholders.
• The article and links provide additional context describing the need for large-scale action to combat climate change and the need for adaptation measures because of the continuing effects of global warming.

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should be familiar with the link between fossil fuel use for energy and climate change.
• Students should be familiar with some basic agricultural and environmental concepts such as growing seasons, pest management, and flood prevention.

Differentiation

• A graphic organizer in which students separate mitigation and adaptation strategies into two different columns may help them understand the different types of climate actions.
• As an extension activity, consider having students engage in a debate where they argue whether individual or governmental actions are necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Have students discover adaptation strategies in place in their community by interviewing local farmers, city planners, or landscapers.