Mitigation versus adaptation – UGC NET Question

Climate policy distinguishes between mitigation, which tackles the causes of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and adaptation, which helps people and ecosystems cope with the impacts that still occur.

Option A:
Incorrect, because it reverses the roles of mitigation and adaptation; adjusting to impacts is adaptation, and reducing emissions is mitigation.

Option B:
Incorrect; using the terms interchangeably hides an important conceptual and policy distinction.

Option C:
Correct; it clearly states that mitigation reduces the magnitude of climate change while adaptation adjusts systems to its effects.

Option D:
Incorrect; adaptation cannot fully substitute for mitigation, because unchecked emissions could create impacts beyond the capacity to adapt.