Climate change mitigation refers to efforts undertaken by individuals or nations to lessen the harmful effects of climate change such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events and food insecurity. It may also involve taking advantage of beneficial opportunities presented by climate change such as longer growing seasons or increased crop yields.
Mitigation measures range from building flood defenses to planting drought-tolerant crops; the most effective mitigation strategies involve both policy and lifestyle changes.
Reducing Fossil Fuel Emissions
Mitigation efforts aim to prevent greenhouse gases from building up in the atmosphere by either decreasing emissions or expanding natural “sinks” that absorb them. This requires investments in renewable energy sources, reforestation programs, restoration of wetlands and ecosystems as well as improving agricultural practices.
Reducing fossil fuel emissions helps limit the accumulation of heat-trapping gases, and is thus key in keeping global warming within two degrees Celsius, or more ideally 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Fossil fuel combustion produces hazardous air pollutants such as fine particulate matter, nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide, contributing to respiratory illnesses like asthma and even leading to premature deaths1.
Reducing fossil fuel consumption can be accomplished through various strategies, from switching to renewable energy sources and energy efficiency improvements, to advocating for better cooking stove designs. All of these changes also bring additional health and financial benefits; co-benefits.
Increasing the Use of Renewable Energy
Transitioning to renewable energy will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution that harms human health and ecosystems, create jobs – one dollar invested in RE yields three jobs created within its energy sector – boost local economies and spur on economic development.
Renewable energies offer more stability against global market fluctuations and geopolitical instability, making them an integral component of energy security and resilience in developing nations.
Renewable energy comes from sources like solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and hydro power sources and provides clean electricity without greenhouse gases or other pollutants that harm climate and human health. As one of the key pillars in attaining net-zero emissions in the world, its use is vital in keeping global temperature rise below 2degC during this century.
Changing Agricultural Practices
Reduce agricultural emissions is one of the most cost-effective strategies to combat climate change, and can be achieved through adopting practices which increase soil carbon sequestration or using regenerative strategies like cover cropping, intercropping and multiyear crop rotations.
NRCS provides various programs designed to promote climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices. To discover which of these are available near you, visit their website.
Farmers are increasingly adopting regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices that minimize impacts on ecosystems, reduce pollution levels, and sequester more carbon in soil. Yet research on these practices and their suitability for various pedoclimatic conditions needs to be strengthened further. Clear policy signals from governments and private sectors provide necessary certainty when scaling up mitigation investments; such signals might include placing a price on carbon emissions or ending fossil fuel subsidies and offering public finance for low-carbon transitions.
Changing Lifestyles
Change in lifestyle habits is a vital step toward mitigating climate change. Walking or cycling instead of driving, buying fewer electronic devices, and selecting second-hand items all reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also beneficial: eating less meat, planting shade trees to cut air conditioning use, and cutting back on wasteful disposable containers and food waste production.
These behaviors may also provide additional benefits, including healthier and lower-calorie diets as well as decreased traffic accidents and obesity deaths. Wetland restoration, which helps stop erosion and absorb flooding waters, may also bring additional advantages.
Adopting and maintaining high-impact greenhouse gas emission-reducer behaviors is difficult for most. A study revealed that subjective climate knowledge predicts intention to take three of the highest-impact behaviors assessed (having one less child/no children, first/next car being electric, and eating less meat). Furthermore, descriptive normative beliefs, internal locus of control, and lower CC scepticism predict intent as well. Policy measures designed to make such shifts less disruptive such as subsidizing low emission technologies or pricing carbon can aid these changes