#climate-adaptation

#climate-adaptation

Plants express heat stress in numerous ways. Some wilt in the middle of the day, turning their leaves downward to prevent sunlight from scorching their surfaces. Flowering and fruiting crops may drop flowers or fail to set fruit. In extreme cases, scarring and defoliation occur.

Urban agricultural spaces—neighborhood gardens—can reduce local temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and trees can lower the 'real feel' temperature by up to 30 degrees.

What we see is not a linear story of progress but a complex mosaic of strategies that helped people stay resilient. That has real lessons for food systems today.

Riding a crowded bus under extreme heat conditions reflects the daily struggles faced by residents in Ahmedabad, prompting innovative cooling measures to combat rising temperatures.

Chaplin highlights that Franklin's fireplace was a significant climate adaptation during one of the coldest winters, showcasing human ingenuity in response to environmental challenges.

"I think it was really important. It's never just one thing when you're talking about a city like Phoenix growing as dynamically as it did and continues to."

One gardener, Jacques, demonstrates how to enjoy homegrown tomato harvests year-round by utilizing specific variety selection and strategic planting dates in a favorable climate.

Tarun Khanna's approach for the Mittal Institute emphasizes multidisciplinary inquiry and real-world engagement to tackle climate change, showcased at the recent adaptation conference in India.