Strategies for Climate Change Mitigation

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Climate change mitigation strategies are essential to curb global warming. This includes transitioning to renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing carbon sequestration. Addressing agricultural emissions and policy instruments for climate action are also crucial. The text highlights the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet international climate targets and prevent a temperature rise beyond 2°C.

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To lessen the severity of ______, actions are taken to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and increase their removal from the air.

climate change

The primary contributor to the recent rise in ______ is the combustion of ______, which includes coal, oil, and natural gas.

global temperatures

fossil fuels

Carbon sequestration can be achieved through ______ methods like reforestation or ______ methods such as carbon capture and storage.

natural

technological

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Strategies for Climate Change Mitigation

Climate change mitigation involves measures to reduce the intensity of global warming by curbing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing their removal from the atmosphere. The main cause of the recent increase in global temperatures is the burning of fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas. Mitigation efforts focus on shifting to renewable energy sources, improving energy conservation and efficiency, and implementing carbon sequestration techniques. These techniques can be natural, like reforestation, or technological, such as carbon capture and storage. National and international commitments by governments and businesses are crucial to align with the global objective of preventing dangerous climate change, aiming to keep temperature rise well below 2°C.

Lush green forest with clear stream, ferns and white wind turbines in the distance under a blue sky.

The Potential of Renewable Energy and Efficiency

Renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind power, are recognized for their significant potential to mitigate climate change cost-effectively. To address the variability of these energy sources, advancements in energy storage technologies, grid improvements, and a mix of renewable options are necessary. Electrification of transportation and heating systems can further reduce reliance on fossil fuels by utilizing clean electricity. For industries with inherent carbon emissions, such as cement production, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are essential to decrease overall emissions.

Agricultural Emissions and Dietary Changes

Agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gases, with methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilizers being the most significant. Reducing emissions from this sector can be achieved by decreasing food waste, adopting plant-based diets, and enhancing agricultural practices. These actions contribute to a sustainable food system and support the transition to a low-carbon economy, which is vital for mitigating climate change.

Policy Instruments for Climate Action

Governments have a range of policy instruments at their disposal to encourage climate change mitigation, including carbon pricing mechanisms like taxes and cap-and-trade systems, phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels, and incentivizing renewable energy adoption. However, the current trajectory of policies is insufficient, with projections indicating a potential global temperature rise of around 2.7°C by the end of the century, surpassing the Paris Agreement targets. This shortfall highlights the urgent need for more ambitious and effective climate policies.

Enhancing Carbon Sinks and Removal

Carbon sinks and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) are critical to mitigating climate change. These approaches aim to boost the carbon-absorbing capabilities of natural ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands, and to develop technologies for direct air capture and storage of carbon dioxide. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) categorizes CDR as intentional human activities that remove CO2 from the atmosphere and securely store it, distinct from the natural absorption not directly induced by human actions.

Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The enhanced greenhouse effect, driven by human activities, is the primary cause of climate change. The most significant contributor is CO2 emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels. Other sources include deforestation, industrial processes, waste management, and agriculture. Methane emissions from livestock and rice paddies, as well as nitrous oxide from fertilized soils, add to the total greenhouse gas emissions. Mitigating emissions from these varied sources is essential to combat climate change.

The Critical Need for Rapid Emission Reductions

To keep global warming within 1.5°C, a rapid and significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is imperative. The IPCC advises that emissions should peak by 2025 and decrease by 43% by 2030. Countries have made international commitments to guide these reductions, but realizing these goals demands immediate and extensive action, especially from the largest emitters. The Climate Action Tracker evaluates the potential temperature increases based on existing policies and commitments, emphasizing the necessity of meeting these targets to effectively mitigate climate change.

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Strategies for Climate Change Mitigation

Concept Map

Summary

Outline

Strategies for Climate Change Mitigation

Causes of Climate Change

Burning of Fossil Fuels

Agricultural Emissions

Other Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Mitigation Strategies

Renewable Energy and Efficiency

Agricultural Emissions and Dietary Changes

Policy Instruments for Climate Action

Enhancing Carbon Sinks and Removal

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