What does it mean to adapt to climate change? You have probably learned about biological adaptation, a natural process through which organisms, including humans, evolve physical or behavioral characteristics that help them survive and thrive in their environment. Examples of biological adaptations include a strong beak that helps a bird crack seeds, camouflage that hides an insect from predators, and thick fur that protects a mammal from the cold. However, the climate is currently changing so fast that many species do not have time to wait the generations needed for this type of adaptation to occur.
Luckily, humans have another option. By employing adaptation strategies that use technology and apply evidence-based decision making, they can take steps to survive even rapid changes in the environment. Examples of adaptation strategies include building levees to prevent flooding, using air conditioning to be comfortable in higher temperatures, or conserving water during an extended drought.
Sea level rise is now a reality even in the United States. And low-lying cities, like Norfolk, Virginia, are on the front line. Watch this video to see some of the adaptation strategies residents of Norfolk are using in response to rising sea level and flooding. As you watch, think about the factors that affect their decision making. After you watch, answer the questions in the Take Notes section below.
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NARRATOR: Sea levels here have risen about 18 inches since World War I, about half of that related to climate change. For this strategically important port, the rising water is literally getting in the way.
COL. JASON KELLY, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Folks live and reside in the communities right outside of the base, and on a daily basis they must get to the base to perform the duties that are vital to our national security.
REAR ADM. ANN PHILLIPS (RET), Center for Climate and Security: Sea level rise means there is just that much more flooding. And that means that there’s just that much more impact to roads, logistics infrastructure, moving cargo back and forth. And so that just makes it that much harder for you to prepare that ship to go and for the crew to prepare themselves to go.
NARRATOR: According to retired admiral Ann Phillips, climate change is a national security issue.
PHILLIPS: It’s about readiness. The Navy does see climate as an impact to its readiness and its ability to be resilient. From a national security perspective, sea level rise is a threat multiplier or a threat magnifier.
NARRATOR: But to the people who live here, coastal flooding has an enormous personal cost.
DONNA WOODWARD, Norfolk Resident: This house has flooded three times. I just don’t know. I don’t know how we’d be able to sell the house, honestly, I really don’t.
NARRATOR: Donna Woodward and Jim Schultz doubted they could sell their house and so decided to raise it up.
WOODWARD: It came down to deciding whether we wanted to go ahead and move out of the area or put all the money into elevating the house and staying.
JIM SCHULTZ, Norfolk Resident: It’s happening now, not in the future. Today it’s happening, as we stand here. So anyone who doubts it, we invite them to buy all of this property here and to come live and see for themselves.
WOODWARD: Sea level rise affects me in ways I had not thought of. You know, I need to be able to get to work. I bought a truck that has a snorkel.