The first approach, known as Mitigation, aims to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging industries, businesses and households to implement energy efficiency measures, develop sources of energy from renewable energy technologies and cut emissions from transport by encouraging modes of low carbon transport and sustainable travel choices.

The second approach, known as Adaptation, looks to build the resilience of businesses, communities, households and the public sector to the expected impacts of future climate change such as flooding, more extreme weather events, rising temperatures and water shortages.

• What is climate change mitigation?

  Mitigation looks to slow down global warming by reducing carbon dioxide and the other greenhouse gas emissions which cause it. This is primarily achieved through energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable transport.

• What is climate change adaptation?

  Adapting to climate change is the process of building the resilience of businesses, industry, agriculture, natural environment, infrastructure, public services, households and vulnerable parts of our society.