The two main goals of climate policy are mitigation and adaptation. Which tools align with mitigation?

• A. Building codes and flood defenses.
• B. Carbon pricing and subsidies for renewables.
• C. Zoning regulations and land use planning.
• D. Public health campaigns unrelated to climate.

Answer: (B)

Mitigation focuses on cutting greenhouse gas emissions or increasing sinks, while adaptation focuses on reducing our vulnerability to climate impacts. Tools that align with mitigation are those that directly lower emissions. Carbon pricing makes emitting carbon more costly, nudging individuals and businesses toward lower-carbon choices, and it broadens the market signal to reduce overall emissions. Subsidies for renewables lower the cost of clean energy, speeding up the shift away from fossil fuels and thereby decreasing emissions. Together, these tools push the energy system toward a lower-carbon path, which is the essence of mitigation.

The other options are more about preparing for or reducing the harm from climate impacts rather than cutting emissions. Building codes and flood defenses primarily enhance resilience to storms and floods. Zoning and land use planning often aim to reduce exposure and manage growth, supporting adaptation (and can influence emissions indirectly), rather than directly reducing emissions. Public health campaigns unrelated to climate don't address climate risks or emissions.