Reducing Climate Change

Strategies for Mitigating Climate Change

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is key to mitigating climate change impacts, primarily through lower consumption of fossil fuels.
Moving towards clean, renewable sources of energy, such as wind, solar, hydro and geothermal power, should constitute a significant portion of this reduction.
Increasing energy efficiency in industries, homes, and transportation can significantly lower carbon emissions.
Conserving and growing forests helps to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, a process known as carbon sequestration.
Urban greening initiatives, including green roofs and city parks, can help to sequester additional carbon, reduce heating demand, and cool cities, mitigating the urban heat island effect.

Societal Behaviour Changes and Mitigation Efforts

At the individual level, actions like reducing meat consumption, recycling, composting, minimising water use, and car-pooling or using public transportation can make a difference.
Collective actions like advocating for strong environmental policies and laws, supporting conservation organisations, and encouraging businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices can have larger-scale impacts.
Education and awareness campaigns can change public perceptions and behaviours towards climate change, fostering a culture of conservation at the personal and community level.

Involving Technological Advancements and Research

Innovative technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) can reduce CO2 emissions by capturing it before it is released into the atmosphere and storing it underground.
Climate engineering technologies, such as solar radiation management, can potentially help reduce global temperatures by reflecting a portion of the Sun’s energy back into space.
Genetically modifying crops to be more tolerant to changing environmental conditions can aid in maintaining food security in the face of climate change.
Research into new, more efficient renewable energy technologies is critical to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

Economic Instruments and International Cooperation

Implementing carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems can incentivise businesses to decrease their carbon emissions.
International cooperation is crucial in combating climate change, as CO2 emissions are a global problem, requiring solutions scalable across national boundaries.
Developed nations can provide funds and technological help to developing nations to reduce their emissions while balancing their need for economic development.
Environmental treaties like the Paris Agreement strive towards ensuring that all countries do their part in fighting climate change.