10:For years, global warming was discussed in the hypothetical——a threat in the distant future. Now it is increasingly regarded as a clear, observable fact. This sudden shift means that all of us must start thinking about the many ways global warming will affect us, over loved ones, our property and our economic prospects. We must think —— and then adapt accordingly. When climate scientists use the word adaptation, they are referring to actions intended to safeguard a person, community, bussiness or country against the effects of climate change. Its complement is mitigation——any measure that will reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, such as drawing power from a wind turbine rather than a coal-fired power plant. By cutting emissions, it aims to slow rising temperatures.