To avoid the risk of catastrophic climate change, global action is required, rather than measures adopted only by certain states.
Mitigation Strategies for Climate Change
Some efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to limit global warming are as follows:
- Renewable Energy: Transitioning to wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal power.
- Energy Efficiency: Improving energy use in transportation, industry, and buildings.
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Capturing CO₂ emissions from power plants and storing them underground.
- Afforestation and Reforestation: Increasing forest cover to enhance carbon sequestration.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Reducing methane emissions from livestock and promoting no-till farming.
- Waste Management: Minimizing methane from landfills through recycling and composting.
Decarbonization of the Economy
Decarbonization of the economy refers to transitioning to an economy that produces minimal carbon emissions.
Some methods of decarbonization include:
- Electrification: Shifting energy use in transport and industry from fossil fuels to electricity powered by renewables.
- Green Infrastructure: Investing in sustainable urban development (e.g., green buildings).
- Carbon Pricing:
- Carbon Tax: Charging emitters for each tonne of CO₂ emitted.
- Cap-and-Trade: Setting emission limits and allowing companies to trade emission permits.
- Circular Economy: Reducing waste by reusing materials and designing sustainable products.
Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change
Adaptation strategies are measures to adjust to the effects of climate change to minimize harm.
- Structural Adaptation:
- Building seawalls and flood barriers.
- Modifying buildings to withstand extreme weather.
- Expanding irrigation systems to address droughts.
- Non-Structural Adaptation:
- Early warning systems for extreme weather.
- Relocation of vulnerable communities.
- Policy changes, including land-use planning and insurance schemes.
Individuals and societies on a range of scales are developing adaptation plans, such as National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs)
National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA)
NAPA is a framework developed by the UN for least developed countries (LDCs) to identify urgent and immediate climate adaptation needs.
Purpose:
- Focus on vulnerable sectors like agriculture, water, and health.
- Provide financial and technical support through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund.
Responses to climate change
Responses to climate change may be led by governments or a range of non-governmental stakeholders. Responses may include economic measures, legislation, goal-setting commitments and personal life changes.
Economic Measures
- Green Investments: Public and private funding for renewable energy and sustainable practices.
- Subsidies and Incentives: Encouraging green technologies through tax breaks or grants.
- International Aid: Supporting developing nations in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Personal Life Changes
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Reducing energy use (e.g., using LED lights, and efficient appliances).
- Using public transport or electric vehicles.
- Adopting plant-based diets or reducing meat consumption.
- Consumer Choices:
- Supporting sustainable brands and products.
- Minimizing waste through recycling and avoiding single-use plastics.
Legislative Measures
- National Policies: Emission reduction targets and renewable energy mandates.
- International Agreements:
- Paris Agreement: Nations commit to limiting warming to 1.5–2°C.
- Kyoto Protocol: Established legally binding emission reduction targets for developed nations.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: Penalties for non-compliance with climate regulations.
Responses to climate change vary based on perspectives on the necessity, practicality and urgency of action on climate change held by different stakeholders.
Role of the UN and IPCC
The UN has played a key role in formulating global strategies to address climate change.
- United Nations (UN):
- Facilitates international cooperation through agreements like the Paris Agreement.
- Provides financial and technical support through the Green Climate Fund and UNDP.
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):
- Publishes scientific assessments on climate change and its impacts.
- Provides evidence-based recommendations for policy-makers.
IPCC has proposed a range of emissions scenarios with targets to reduce the risk of catastrophic climate change.
