Climate Change mitigation seeks to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sinks through implementation of energy efficiency standards, use of renewable energy resources and supporting regenerative agricultural practices.
Individuals can also make an impactful contribution by cutting down their own consumption. By purchasing less unnecessary goods ranging from food and fashion, we can make an impactful statement of intent about our desire for change.
Reducing our use of fossil fuels
Fossil fuel production and consumption represent the single greatest source of climate change emissions, so to limit global warming to 1.5degC requires significant reductions in these emissions. Reducing our dependency on fossil fuels will decrease risks such as sea level rise, extreme weather events, food insecurity and biodiversity loss – irreversible climate impacts which cannot be reversed.
For this to occur, several actions need to be taken, including reducing deforestation and protecting natural ecosystems, investing in renewable energy sources such as wind or solar, and shifting to sustainable transport methods which will not only lower greenhouse gas emissions produced by vehicles, ships, planes and trains but also contribute towards healthier living by decreasing air pollution which has been proven to increase cardiovascular disease and respiratory illnesses.
Success of mitigation efforts relies on having an informed population and decision makers. To this end, it is vitally important to provide information on long-term greenhouse gases generated from various practices in easily understandable lay units – specifically practices whose increasing frequency undermines implementation of remedies such as technological or socioeconomic ones.
Investing in renewable energy
Renewable energy can help lower greenhouse gas emissions significantly by harnessing its abundant source, such as sunlight or wind, to generate electricity without creating harmful greenhouse gas emissions when burned to produce electricity. It provides cleaner alternatives than fossil fuels which emit greenhouse gases during combustion – providing cleaner electricity production solutions than their carbon counterparts that emit carbon emissions when burned for energy production.
Developing and least-developed countries can take advantage of the declining costs associated with clean electricity to cut carbon dioxide emissions and strengthen their energy security. Renewable energy development also brings many economic advantages by creating jobs locally while helping mitigate pollution caused by fossil fuels, thus decreasing air pollution and health concerns caused by them.
Now is the time to accelerate our transition towards renewables and invest heavily in clean technology, in order to meet global energy demands – particularly those from low and middle income countries – as well as new electricity needs arising from technological innovations like Artificial Intelligence data centres that consume large amounts of power.
Switching to sustainable transport
Transport accounts for more than one-third of global energy use, so transitioning to sustainable transport methods can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation while improving operational efficiencies and supporting economic development.
Land transport policy should prioritize transitioning to zero-emission public transportation systems powered by renewable electricity, city planning that prioritizes walking and cycling, integrated ticketing across modes, safe infrastructure for people on bicycles and scooters, as well as exploring electric vehicle technologies for short distance travel. In aviation and shipping industries, this may mean encouraging sustainable biofuels, improving aircraft efficiency and routing decisions, as well as optimizing last mile delivery options to minimize fuel use and pollution levels.
As part of its overall economic activity, the world must also reduce transport-related greenhouse gas emissions. To do so, more high-quality and affordable public transit is required, along with innovative modes such as e-hybrid vehicles or self-driving cars; demand concepts must also be established which encourage people to make sustainable travel choices.
Reducing how much we consume
Altering our consumption patterns – such as energy efficiency, recycling and waste reduction – also contribute to lowering emissions. Regenerative agricultural practices may further lower emissions by decreasing methane and nitrous oxide production while simultaneously improving crop yields and soil health.
Mitigation involves taking steps to decrease heat-trapping greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance carbon sinks – which help remove them from the atmosphere – through various measures, including cutting energy usage, switching to renewable sources and making our homes, workplaces and cities more sustainable.
UNDP works closely with countries to help them make a transformative shift towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development. We assist them in implementing projects that foster innovation, build capacity and ease transition to new business models, supportive policies and regulations. In addition, gender responsive approaches to reaching mitigation targets as well as exploring co-benefits of these efforts are promoted as part of this work – this work takes place closely in coordination with Green Climate Fund.