Climate Change Mitigation (Advanced – C2)

Climate Change Mitigation – Transcript

Climate change mitigation is an attempt to limit the effects of climate change by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases or removing those gases from the atmosphere. According to climate scientists, increases in the global average temperature are caused predominantly by emissions from burning fossil fuels. Mitigation measures reduce emissions by transitioning to sustainable energy sources, conserving energy, and increasing efficiency. In addition, CO2 can be removed from the atmosphere by expanding forest and wetland areas as well as other natural and technical processes.
Large-scale adoption of solar and wind energy is currently the most-effective means of achieving climate change mitigation. Shortcomings such as variable availability of sunshine and wind may be addressed by energy storage and improved electrical grids. As low-carbon power is rolled-out in more parts of the world, these sources of energy will become less expensive and more reliable.  If carbon emissions are unavoidable for certain industrial processes, then carbon capture and storage can reduce net emissions.