Climate change mitigation entails reducing emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by decreasing emissions and expanding carbon sinks, such as energy efficiency measures, renewables or using electric vehicles. Protecting natural landscapes such as forests can also support local livelihoods while offering numerous other advantages.
Decarbonization will be necessary if we want to limit global warming to 1.5degC. This report explores both the science and opportunities surrounding its removal.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it can save consumers money on utility bills, improve the environment and support job growth.
Divestment reduces pollution and makes us less dependent on fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, while at the same time helping us save money and prevent power interruptions.
Energy efficiency is an integral part of combatting climate change. UNEP works closely with partners to enhance energy efficiency in buildings, district energy and industry sectors – in buildings, district energy networks and industries alike. Furthermore, we use our expertise to strengthen business cases for energy efficiency among developing country businesses. For more efficient appliances and electronics purchases simply look for products bearing the ENERGY STAR label.
Renewable energy
Renewably powered energy solutions such as replacing fossil fuels with renewable energies, reducing emissions from buildings, transportation and agriculture and increasing greenhouse gas sinks are effective tools to combat climate change. There are various forms of mitigation measures available ranging from stopping deforestation to investing in high-tech subway systems and bicycle paths – each offer their own options for climate mitigation.
Effective mitigation efforts require a whole-of-society approach in order to meet ambitious global targets and limit warming below 1.5degC above pre-industrial levels. They involve shifting away from fossil fuels, improving efficiency, adopting regenerative agricultural practices and protecting forests and critical ecosystems. Producers on working lands can contribute towards these goals through adopting National Resource Conservation Service-prescribed conservation activities which deliver quantifiable reductions of greenhouse gases and carbon sequestration while simultaneously offering co-benefits such as improved soil health, water quality wildlife habitat or air quality benefits.
Biofuels
Biofuels are renewable transport fuels made of renewable biomass materials such as ethanol and biodiesel that can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels in order to lower greenhouse gas emissions and ensure security of supply.
Most first generation biofuels reduce emissions by 20-60% when compared with fossil fuels on an energy equivalent basis, provided the most cost-efficient production methods are utilized and carbon releases associated with land-use change are excluded from consideration. Research continues into making them more sustainable.
Growing crops for biofuel requires fertilizers, tractors and transportation energy that contribute to climate change as well as land-use changes that lead to deforestation and biodiversity loss – so when considering environmental impacts associated with biofuels it is crucial that one considers all aspects of their life cycle when assessing them.
Electric vehicles
Transportation emissions are one of the primary contributors to climate change, and electric vehicles (EVs) offer an effective means of mitigating these emissions. EVs produce significantly fewer emissions than their internal combustion engine counterparts and can be charged using clean renewable energy sources like the sun and wind power.
Electric vehicles (EVs) reduce nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions in urban environments, helping improve air quality for those living with respiratory conditions and potentially saving money on fuel costs over time – making EVs an attractive solution for consumers looking to save money while at the same time helping curb climate change.
Electric vehicles (EVs) produce less climate pollution emissions than ICE vehicles, but their emissions depend on where their electricity comes from for charging them. Therefore, in order to achieve meaningful reduction in transport emissions through widespread adoption of EVs and decarbonization of their power source supply for both refueling and production processes.
Energy storage
Energy storage can play an essential role in mitigating climate change by limiting carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, while simultaneously helping reduce energy costs and enhance resilience following natural disasters. Community solar installations or aggregated home and commercial building rooftop projects combined with battery storage can serve as localized microgrids or resilience hubs that benefit entire communities affected.
Grid-scale energy storage is a critical tool for deep decarbonization of electricity systems. It can help mitigate renewable curtailment while increasing system flexibility; and is cost-effective even with high levels of wind/solar penetration and emissions taxes.
Energy storage research must fill a knowledge gap: while many studies evaluate its size within power systems, few look at its impact on carbon policies and carbon regulations. Future work on energy storage must therefore focus on this topic to close this knowledge gap.