Climate Change: Mitigation Strategies (SL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

• Climate change mitigation is now of crucial importance for human societies and focuses on reducing and stabilising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
  • Climate change mitigation encompasses both reducing GHG emissions at their source and developing techniques to remove them from the atmosphere

Mitigation Strategies to Reduce GHGs

Mitigation Strategy	How to Implement Strategy
Reduction of Energy Consumption	Implement energy efficiency measures such as insulation, efficient lighting, and higher efficiency appliances to reduce energy demand in buildings Promote the use of smart grids and energy management systems to optimise energy usage and reduce waste Encourage sustainable transportation options like public transit, cycling, and walking to decrease reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles Support the development and adoption of energy-efficient industrial processes to reduce energy consumption in manufacturing Promote behaviour change and awareness campaigns to encourage individuals and businesses to adopt energy-saving practices
Reduction of Emissions from Agriculture	Implement agricultural practices that minimise emissions of nitrogen oxides (which contribute to tropospheric ozone) and methane Promote sustainable livestock management techniques such as improved feed quality, methane capture systems, and rotational grazing Improve soil management and encourage precision agriculture methods that optimise fertiliser use, so that no more fertiliser is used than is needed
Use of Alternatives to Fossil Fuels	Transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy for electricity generation Promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and support the development of charging infrastructure to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-powered transportation Invest in research and development of biofuels and hydrogen as cleaner alternatives to conventional fossil fuels Continue to explore the potential of nuclear energy as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels
Geo-engineering	Investigate the feasibility of carbon removal techniques such as afforestation, reforestation, and direct air capture (DAC) to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere Explore solar radiation management techniques like stratospheric aerosol injection to reflect sunlight back into space and mitigate global warming

Photo by Ernest Ojeh on Unsplash 

Electric vehicles have the potential to play a significant role in mitigating climate change

• Despite significant mitigation efforts, the impact of past GHG emissions will persist for decades due to their long atmospheric lifetime
  • The cumulative nature of GHGs means that even with drastic reductions in future emissions, the GHGs already emitted will continue to contribute to climate change and its effects, such as rising temperatures and sea level, altered weather patterns, and ecological changes

• However, implementing comprehensive mitigation strategies that target energy consumption, agriculture, fossil fuel alternatives, and innovative technologies is still crucial for effectively addressing climate change
  • While reducing future emissions is essential, recognising the long-lasting influence of past emissions highlights the importance of sustained mitigation efforts to minimise the impacts and create a more sustainable future