What is the difference between climate mitigation and climate adaptation under the Paris Agreement?

Under the Paris Agreement, climate mitigation and adaptation represent two distinct but complementary strategies for addressing the global climate crisis.12

Climate Mitigation

Mitigation focuses on the root cause of global warming by reducing or stabilizing the flow of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Under the agreement, parties are tasked with reaching a global peak of emissions as soon as possible and undertaking rapid reductions thereafter to limit temperature increases to well below 2 °C. Efforts include transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing carbon sinks like forests and oceans to sequester carbon dioxide.12

Climate Adaptation

Adaptation involves adjusting to current and projected climate impacts to reduce the vulnerability of human and natural systems. Because some degree of warming is already locked into the climate system, adaptation is essential for protecting communities. Efforts include building infrastructure to defend against rising sea levels, implementing flood defenses, and developing drought-resistant agricultural practices.1

The Paris Agreement facilitates both approaches by encouraging international financial support from developed countries to assist developing nations in implementing these critical measures.2