The use of solar energy is a clear example of climate change mitigation.
Climate change mitigation refers to efforts and actions aimed at preventing or reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with the aim of limiting global warming and its adverse impacts on the climate. This may include measures such as the adoption of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, reforestation and the development of clean technology.
Examples of climate change mitigation
Renewable energies
- Solar energy : installation of photovoltaic solar panels to generate electricity from sunlight;
- wind energy – use of wind turbines to produce energy from wind;
- hydroelectric power : generation of electricity through the energy of moving water;
- geothermal energy : obtained from the Earth's internal heat to generate electricity and heating in a sustainable and renewable way;
- biomass energy – produced from organic matter, such as agricultural and forestry waste, used to generate electricity, heat and biofuels in a renewable and sustainable way.
Energy efficiency
- Green buildings : design and construction of buildings with materials and technologies that minimize energy consumption;
- efficient appliances : use of highly energy efficient appliances that consume less electricity.
Sustainable transport
- Electric vehicles : promotion and use of electric cars that do not emit greenhouse gases;
- public transportation : improvement and expansion of public transportation systems to reduce the use of individual vehicles.
Reforestation and forest conservation
- reforestation – planting trees in deforested areas to absorb carbon dioxide;
- conservation : protection of existing forests to prevent the release of stored carbon.
Sustainable agriculture
- Efficient agricultural practices : implementation of agricultural techniques that reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions, such as crop rotation and efficient use of fertilizers;
- agroforestry – integration of trees and shrubs into agricultural systems to improve carbon sequestration.
Waste management
- Recycling and composting : reducing waste that ends up in landfills and promoting recycling and composting to reduce methane emissions;
- landfill methane capture : installation of systems to capture methane produced in landfills and use it as an energy source.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies
- Direct Air Capture – Technologies that capture carbon dioxide directly from the air and store it safely;
- geological storage : injection of carbon dioxide into deep geological formations for long-term storage.
Electric vehicles do not emit greenhouse gases.
Carbon reduction strategies
Reducing carbon emissions is crucial in climate change mitigation efforts. Below are some key strategies and concepts.
carbon footprint
The total measure of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by a person, organization, event, or product over its life cycle. Reducing the carbon footprint involves adopting practices and technologies that reduce these emissions.
Low carbon diets
Adopting low-carbon diets means consuming foods that generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions in their production and transportation. This includes increasing the consumption of plant-based foods and reducing the intake of meat and dairy products.
Carbon offset
A practice by which individuals or organizations invest in projects that reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions to balance their own carbon footprint. These may include reforestation , renewable energy and energy efficiency .
Carbon markets
Systems in which carbon emission permits are traded. These markets allow companies to buy and sell carbon credits, incentivizing the reduction of emissions through economic mechanisms.
Crop rotation and efficient use of fertilizers minimize the emission of methane and nitrous oxide.
Policies and International Legal Framework
The legal framework and international policies are essential to coordinate and enhance global efforts to mitigate climate change. Some of the key components are described below.
Environmental policies
They establish guidelines and regulations to protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They include laws on air quality, waste management, energy efficiency and ecosystem protection.
Paris Agreement
Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement is an international treaty that seeks to limit global warming to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. The signatory countries commit to reduce their emissions and present national climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) . This agreement also promotes financing for developing countries and adaptation to the impacts of climate change.
Kyoto Protocol
In force from 2005 to 2012, the Kyoto Protocol was one of the first binding international agreements that established specific emissions reduction targets for developed countries. Although its commitment was more limited than that of the Paris Agreement, it laid the foundation for future global climate agreements and policies.
Climate policy development
It involves the creation and adjustment of national and international strategies and regulations to address climate change. This includes the integration of emissions reduction objectives into economic, urban and energy policies, as well as the promotion of research and development of clean technologies.
Climate financing mechanisms
International policies and agreements also contemplate financing mechanisms to support developing countries in the transition to low-carbon economies . The Green Climate Fund , among others, provides resources for climate change mitigation and adaptation projects, helping to close the gap between developed and developing countries.
These international policies and agreements form a comprehensive framework that guides global actions to mitigate climate change, facilitating cooperation between nations and fostering a coordinated and effective approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.