Climate Change Mitigation refers to any efforts taken to decrease greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, including switching to renewable energy, cutting consumption and expanding carbon sinks.
We must act swiftly to limit future warming below 2degC and, ideally, 1.5degC. This requires taking an approach which encompasses all sectors and structural transformation.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Mitigation involves slowing the release of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by decreasing emission sources such as switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy, or by expanding natural carbon “sinks” such as forests and oceans.
Individuals can make a difference too by purchasing less goods, recycling more, driving less often and opting for electric cars. Altering agricultural practices that release greenhouse gasses such as methane or nitrous oxide will also help make an impactful statement about climate action.
Substituting fossil fuels for renewable energies can significantly cut global carbon emissions, as can greening urban areas and managing waste effectively. Restoring wetlands provides another tool to adapt against climate change impacts like flooding and sea level rise.
Wealthy countries that have profited from high-carbon activities have an ethical responsibility to lead mitigation efforts and assist vulnerable developing nations transition to low-emission pathways – this concept is known as climate justice.
Greening urban areas
Increased tree planting can help mitigate climate change. Trees produce a cooling effect and fight back against urban heat island phenomenon – in which built-up areas absorb more heat than their rural surroundings and cannot release it into the atmosphere. They also intercept rainwater runoff to help reduce flooding, improve storage/supply capabilities and enhance biodiversity.
Tree planting programs like those offered by Tree San Diego help promote environmental stewardship while engaging community members. Tree planting projects play a vital role in building resilience against climate changes in underserved areas and helping vulnerable groups adapt.
Mitigate climate change is something everyone can do, from individuals reducing emissions themselves, to communicating to representatives their support of climate-smart policies and purchasing products which are friendly to the planet. Individuals can also support local initiatives to adapt to its effects such as installing flood defences or planting crops more suited to rising temperatures and drought.
Tackling waste
One effective way to reduce waste and emissions is to limit the amount of organic materials discarded into landfills, through initiatives such as using your own take-home containers at restaurants and composting any uneaten food – this helps avoid methane emissions which contribute to climate change.
Reducing carbon dioxide levels requires supporting sustainable agriculture practices and reversing deforestation through land management practices that foster regeneration as well as investing in renewable energy sources. Protecting natural carbon sinks such as forests and oceans are also effective solutions to lower CO2 levels.
Education of consumers on responsible consumption and production is central to eliminating waste and lowering emissions. Policies like extended producer responsibility hold producers of goods accountable for all stages of product lifecycle – leading to waste prevention initiatives such as eco-design or prioritizing reuse over disposal. Furthermore, supporting policies which promote recycling initiatives or restore lands while decreasing plastic pollution contribute to healthier environments.
Adapting to climate change
Adaptation provides essential protections against climate change hazards like floods, drought, heat waves, storm surges and sea level rise. To adapt effectively, various strategies such as stronger homes construction; better flood defence designs; planning roads to avoid rising water levels; developing insurance mechanisms specifically tailored for climate risks and creating new safeguards for natural ecosystems may all be explored as potential strategies of adaptation.
Local solutions often prove the most effective ways of adapting. In Bagamoyo town in Tanzania, rising sea levels and decreased rainfall had caused wells to dry up and become salty resulting in headaches, ulcers and low school attendance for children. With support from UNEP, their government adopted rooftop guttering and rainwater harvesting resulting in healthier children as well as reduced healthcare costs for their community.
Climate action requires international cooperation among governments, businesses, including those responsible for polluting sectors, as well as strong pushes by communities to develop local climate solutions.