In the previous lesson, we’ve learned that adaptation refers to actions which lessen or stop the negative impacts of natural disasters. Such as making sea walls to stop sea level rise or planting trees to reduce flooding. While adaptation actions can be as simple as making walls, it can also be as complex as making buildings that can resist heat or by training people to drink water to avoid heat stroke. The important thing to know is that there are many many adaptation actions, each one being useful for different countries and different situations

For example, in Brunei, we are prone to flooding. Global warming will make floods happen more often and more stronger, this puts communities, infrastructure like buildings, and ecosystems in danger. The effects of this will get worse over time hence, adaptation solutions are needed to handle these risks, for example:

• Infrastructure: better drain systems to manage increased flooding

• Policy: Climate risks to be included in National Development Plans

• Nature-based solutions: Wetland Restoration, Afforestation and Reforestation

However, other countries may need different adaptation actions. Some countries may even need it far more, or else they might even lose their whole country! The Pacific Island countries for example are quickly losing their coasts. Without rapid adaptation action, the will gradually lose their farm lands, their homes and even their whole country!

While climate change is a global issue, undoubtedly it is also felt on a local scale. The every day life of people is at risk, and that is why adaptation actions must be made alongside mitigation actions. It is thus important to get local governments at the frontline of adaptation.

Trees are planted at Tanjung Batu Muara. Once these trees grow, they will help reduce soil erosion by having its roots maintain the soil. Thus preventing the coast from disappearing.