Climate change mitigation refers to any action taken that reduces or enhances carbon sinks that remove heat-trapping greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere, including switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency and adopting regenerative agricultural practices, while protecting forests and other ecosystems. Such steps could include transitioning from fossil-based energy sources such as coal to renewable sources of power generation such as wind or solar, improving energy efficiency or adopting regenerative agriculture practices – among others.

Following the 2009 Copenhagen Accord and 2010 Cancun Agreements, countries announced their intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) for emissions reduction and resilience building projects that also provide co-benefits, such as sustainable land management or waste disposal.

Biological carbon sequestration

Prior to industrialisation of energy production in the last century, global carbon cycling was an organic process controlled by biological and geological mechanisms. Unfortunately, human activity now causes considerable disruption by emitting large volumes of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Photosynthesis, first discovered three to four billion years ago and carried out by plants, algae, fungi and other microorganisms, accounts for most terrestrial and aquatic carbon sequestration today. Oceanic photosynthesis also plays an integral part of carbon sequestration by absorbing and holding on to CO2 released into its surroundings.

Forests and grasslands act as natural carbon sinks that capture, store, and bury carbon into the soil. Geological carbon sequestration occurs when CO2 is trapped underground rocks or formations; while not replacing efficient energy management or expanding carbon-free technologies entirely, carbon sequestration offers an important addition to these efforts.

Reducing emissions

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to combating climate change, and two comprehensive strategies currently under discussion in the US include a nationwide cap and trade system on carbon dioxide emissions and a carbon tax. Each has significant co-benefits that go beyond simply decreasing emissions.

Emission reduction efforts include switching buildings and public spaces over to renewable energy, improving insulation, using efficient appliances, vehicles and lighting; as well as altering agricultural practices – including cutting methane emissions during livestock production as well as eliminating fertilizers with high global warming potential – while changing agricultural practices can help significantly.

Reducing short-lived climate pollutants is one of the fastest and cost-effective strategies to limit warming to 1.5degC as set forth by Paris, as this will also prevent millions of premature deaths caused by air pollution while mitigating risks such as heat-aggravated illnesses, vector borne diseases, water shortages and reduced food security.

Adaptation

Adaptation is the ongoing practice of creating systems to address climate change’s immediate or predicted effects, such as sea-level rise, severe storms, food insecurity and decreased biodiversity. Preventative adaptation measures in places like Bangladesh include building embankments, drainage canals, flood control gates and water treatment plants to withstand rising seas; economic development projects offering work opportunities to those displaced by climate change; as well as providing job training to those left without work due to climate change.

At a global scale, mitigation involves bringing human-caused greenhouse gas emissions down to net zero while strengthening natural “sinks” that absorb excess greenhouse gasses and draw them down through improved “sinks”. UNDP supports various mitigation initiatives worldwide including sustainable energy access initiatives, low carbon development pathways and climate resilient investments; as well as natural solutions like restoring forests and wetlands while improving soil quality or protecting biodiversity and working with partners on community based adaptation.

Local governments

Local governments offer citizens direct democracy, giving them an opportunity to interact directly with their elected representatives and receive services within a particular geographic area that must comply with state and federal regulations. Furthermore, these government bodies can levy taxes, pass legislation and offer other community services.

Local governments are at the forefront of climate change adaptation efforts. Cities are creating greener buildings, prioritizing energy efficiency in new housing units, and developing sustainable transportation strategies. Furthermore, they’re taking measures to prepare for rising sea levels, floods and heat waves, as well as developing drought-resistant crops varieties.

Local government in the US includes counties (or boroughs in Alaska and parishes in Louisiana), towns and cities, special-purpose entities such as school districts and park districts; however, their numbers differ by state, with those with larger populations often having more local governments per capita; Illinois holds this distinction but ranks 14th.