Climate change mitigation means reducing heat-trapping greenhouse gasses or increasing carbon sinks that remove them. This may involve technologies, like capturing CO2 from coal- and oil-fired power plants, policies or behaviors (like purchasing more eco-friendly products) as well as technology.
Mitigation should aim to stabilize greenhouse gas levels as soon as possible in order to limit global warming to 2degC – this will require everyone’s support.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Climate Change mitigation actions focus on actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost carbon sinks to lower atmospheric concentration of these greenhouse gases, such as improving energy efficiency and renewable energies, creating greener buildings and transport systems, reforestation of key ecosystems that act as carbon sinks, as well as decreasing methane emissions from livestock or altering agricultural practices. These include efforts such as energy efficiency promotion, renewable energies usage promotion and increasing carbon sinks such as trees.
Everyone can contribute, from governments and businesses establishing regulations, providing incentives, and facilitating investments to individuals adopting sustainable habits and advocating for change. UNDP climate change projects – like those implemented in Moldova and Paraguay – are helping cities become greener by prioritizing energy efficiency in residential buildings, introducing low-carbon public transport, managing waste efficiently, investing in solar and wind power as well as creating REDD+ programs which channel international climate finance to forest communities to promote results-based payments against deforestation and land degradation.
Enhancing carbon sinks
Earth’s oceans, forests, and soils act as natural carbon sinks to help curb climate change by absorbing some of our emissions and providing vital storage systems that keep atmospheric CO2 levels from rising much higher. Without these vital systems in place, atmospheric CO2 levels would likely skyrocket far more quickly.
Due to human activities, natural ecosystems are under immense strain and reaching critical tipping points, making the protection and enhancement of these essential natural systems crucial for combatting climate change.
Forests and other biomes can capture and store carbon through their biomass and soil storage capabilities, while managing land-based ecosystems like wetlands can further increase carbon storage capacity. Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technologies represent another promising solution to mitigate climate-resilient potential of natural carbon sinks while simultaneously reducing emissions.
CARE International works to accelerate the adoption of natural and technological solutions through programs that combine ecosystem conservation with climate action. These include programs that reduce deforestation, restore biodiversity, increase carbon storage via regenerative agriculture practices and restore wetland ecosystems.
Building resilience
Communities need to be resilient enough to deal with and recover from climate change impacts such as floods or heat waves, including disaster preparedness measures such as disaster preparedness drills, community education sessions and strengthening local ecosystems. Such measures can create stronger societies more resistant to environmental threats.
All members of society play a part in developing resilience, from individuals adopting eco-friendly lifestyles and advocating for change to governments implementing regulations and offering incentives. Private-sector initiatives which address climate change mitigation and adaptation may further contribute.
Businesses play an essential role in building resilience, including developing disaster recovery plans and installing solar or wind turbines on site to provide power. Such efforts can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening their ability to adapt and respond to climate change impacts, with some adaptation activities overlapping with mitigation activities simultaneously. For instance, air pollution reduction can be achieved through both actions taken against climate change as well as supporting climate-smart urban planning practices.
Adapting to climate change
To mitigate and adapt to climate change effectively, we must act now. Delaying action only makes mitigating and adapting more challenging and costly.
Countries and communities must take measures to adapt to climate change impacts, including shifting away from fossil fuels towards renewable energies; conserving and restoring ecosystems; making homes, buildings and infrastructure more resilient; and developing early warning systems for natural disasters. Such steps could save lives while providing benefits of up to 10 times their original costs.
Everyone can do their part to reduce climate change by taking action within their daily lives, such as using less energy, switching to sustainable transport options and shopping consciously. They can lobby their government and businesses for strong climate policies as well as getting involved with community activism or advocacy groups – ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for us all. China, US, India and Russia should lead by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.