As part of meeting the United Nation’s 1.5degC target and to avoid irreversible climate change, global greenhouse gas emissions must be drastically reduced to ensure we reach an equilibrium state and meet this goal. This requires restricting future warming while encouraging development in areas less exposed to climate impacts as well as protecting open spaces which help absorb flood waters.
Climate change mitigation efforts fall into four main categories: reducing emissions, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and protecting against specific impacts.
1. Keep fossil fuels in the ground
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas are major drivers of climate change. When burned, they release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that blanket the planet with heat-trapping layers – warming it more rapidly than ever.
Combatting climate change requires us to keep most fossil fuels underground and switch to 100% renewable energy for all. In order to achieve this goal, governments must put people and nature before corporate profits by ceasing fossil fuel extraction.
That means halting new fossil fuel development on public lands and oceans, while simultaneously providing communities impacted by climate change with financial and technical support in order to adapt.
2. Invest in renewable energy
Renewable energy such as wind and solar is preferable for the planet as it does not release greenhouse gasses that contribute to global warming. Contrarily, fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas release carbon dioxide emissions that accelerate global warming.
Renewables reduce climate impacts, enhance resilience and drive down energy prices more than traditional sources. But investing heavily is necessary if we are to reach net zero emissions by 2050. By 2030 alone, approximately $4.5 trillion should have been committed annually towards making this changeover possible.
Good news is that with advances in cost and performance as well as equity-focused policies, we are more on track than ever for a clean energy future. Sustainable investments may offer better financial returns than those associated with traditional carbon industries.
3. Switch to sustainable transport
Sustainable transport is an essential way of improving connectivity, economic growth and employment opportunities. Furthermore, sustainable transport reduces dependence on finite fossil fuel reserves while mitigating pollution impacts, environmental and climate concerns and energy use.
Utilizing low-emission vehicles, public transit powered by renewable electricity and walking and cycling infrastructure can be used to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. Smart roads integrating photovoltaic pavements, vehicle charging systems and elements interconnected through 5G can further enhance safety and efficiency while supporting sustainable mobility options.
Decarbonizing the transport sector not only reduces air pollution but also helps tackle public health crises associated with air quality and road traffic injuries. Investment in sustainable transport options also promotes social inclusion by providing access to reliable mobility at an affordable cost, opening up paths toward employment, education, health services and housing opportunities. Climate-resilient planning, design and infrastructure integration into existing transport networks is another method to strengthen resilience. At its core, climate resilience involves protecting vulnerable communities from risks like flooding, heatwaves and sea-level rise while strengthening airports, railways, ports and other transport infrastructure to safeguard access to essential services.
4. Reduce how much people consume
Consumption habits create pollution across air, water and land. From raw materials production and transport, all items purchased contribute to greenhouse gases emission as well as other forms of environmental harm.
Overconsumption must decrease to ensure our lifestyles fit within the global capacity of natural resources. To do this, we must adjust our behaviors – everything from what and how much we eat, travel or shop online – in order to reduce overconsumption.
Enhancing prices of carbon intensive goods and services is one way to curb our consumption. An international price floor of $75 a ton should be in place by 2030 in order to limit global warming below 2degC.
Your best way of fighting climate change is telling your elected representatives that it matters and asking them to act. Simply call, email or tweet your representatives. Additionally, UNDP is working hard to combat it as well, building solar minigrids on Comoros and South Africa while spreading energy efficiency awareness within communities. Donate now and join them!