Climate change mitigation refers to efforts undertaken to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally by incentivizing cleaner practices and discouraging those that emit large volumes. This applies to everything from energy production and transportation, building design, waste management and diet choices – everything that contributes to global climate change mitigation is included here.
Individuals can lower their carbon footprint by purchasing fewer goods, buying secondhand or choosing to repair and replace existing items; also adopting a diet rich in plant foods may aid this effort.
Keep Fossil Fuels in the Ground
Climate change mitigation efforts face an uphill struggle due to global economy’s widespread reliance on fossil fuels and those who support their use, but renewable energy solutions continue to get cheaper, making a future without coal and oil more attainable than ever.
Reducing deforestation and conserving and restoring forests are integral strategies to combating climate change, acting as carbon sinks to draw carbon out of the atmosphere and strengthen resilience against extreme weather events.
Fossil gas, in turn, emits harmful greenhouse gases like methane during extraction and processing – measures must be taken to eliminate leaks of this potent greenhouse gas. Furthermore, revenue from oil and gas revenues have been used to finance war and dictatorships – an abuse which should come to an end. Divestment campaigns led by Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Deutsche Bank are helping shift climate change mitigation away from cutting demand for fossil fuels to keeping them underground while exposing financial risks involved with investing in coal or oil investments which hinder companies’ abilities to raise capital from investors.
Invest in Renewable Energy
Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy is the fastest and most cost-effective way to cut emissions, creating an opportunity for countries to lessen their reliance on imported fossil fuels that create price volatility and geopolitical tensions.
Clean energy sectors offer another viable path towards economic development, creating jobs and helping lift people out of poverty. By 2023, estimates indicate that global clean energy sectors will employ over 35 million people.
Investors can help drive this shift toward renewable energy by purchasing shares or bonds of electricity providers who use renewables, or companies producing equipment necessary to generate power – Robeco’s Smart Energy and Clean Technology strategies are focused on this opportunity. Government policies like tax credits or subsidies for clean energy may make it more competitive with fossil fuels, increasing innovation and deployment. Carbon taxes provide another incentive and contribute to building a low-carbon economy.
Switch to Sustainable Transport
Nearly one quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from transportation, with urbanization and economic expansion both contributing to its continued rise. Therefore, businesses need to adopt sustainable transport options such as carpooling opportunities for commuters, on-demand shuttle services or remote working initiatives that reduce commuting emissions as soon as possible.
Utilizing sustainable fuels in commercial vehicles and deploying electric rail vehicles are also part of decarbonization efforts, while decarbonizing ports and shipping infrastructure are other elements. Aviation initiatives involve scaling up renewable air travel fuels while improving aircraft design and operations to boost aircraft efficiency, optimizing flight routes for fuel savings by making even small adjustments, as well as exploring battery electric or hydrogen propulsion for short distance flights.
Cities need to move towards low-emission public transportation modes such as electric buses and trains, prioritizing safe walking and cycling infrastructure, using smart technology for fleet management purposes to optimize fleet operations, improve service quality, reduce congestion, and optimize fleet management practices.
Reduce How Much You Consume
Climate change is already creating havoc around the globe: rising temperatures, the acceleration of Arctic and high-latitude ice melting, sea level rise, more extreme weather events occurring frequently and intensely, changing rainfall patterns and species extinction as well as outbreaks and spread of infectious diseases1.1 These effects of global warming cannot be ignored and must be dealt with immediately to protect future generations from harm.1
To reduce climate damage and ensure our long-term survival, it is imperative to transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources while increasing carbon sinks to absorb greenhouse gases. Mitigation strategies must also aim at strengthening resilience within communities and ecosystems.
Everyone can play an essential part in combatting climate change, from individuals adopting sustainable habits to businesses investing in low-carbon technologies and regenerative agriculture practices; to governments providing policy incentives, setting standards, implementing regulations and creating investment opportunities. UNDP works on each front – from improving energy efficiency in buildings and public spaces, supporting small island developing states in switching over to renewable energy using solar minigrids as well as conducting research into carbon quantification, modeling and pricing.