What is climate change mitigation?

Scientists have long since recognized that the planet is growing warmer. A changing climate poses significant challenges, not the least of which is what can be done to prevent the most negative consequences of global warming.
For decades, climate researchers have urged policymakers to embrace strategies designed to limit global warming to between 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius during the 21st century. But the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that realizing that goal is unlikely without dramatic action in the next couple of decades.
If limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius over the next 80 years is increasingly unlikely, then additional strategies to confront climate change must be considered. One such strategy is climate change mitigation. According to the UN Environment Programme, climate change mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases. Such efforts could help in the fight against climate change.
The Global Environment Facility supports the work of developing countries as they look to address the world’s most pressing environmental issues. Mitigation is a valuable tool in that fight, and the GEF provided support for 940 climate change mitigation projects in the organization’s first quarter century. GEF support was directed toward projects that aimed to mitigate emissions related to the production and consumption of energy, which the organization noted is the single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Individuals interested in climate change mitigation should know that they can play a part. Some ways for individuals to support mitigation include:
—Retrofit homes and offices to make them more energy efficient.
—Invest in solar paneling for your home or business.
—Support legislation that aims to safely integrate renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
—Invest in electric vehicles.
—Support legislation that promotes sustainable use of land, including forests.
Confronting climate change and avoiding its most negative consequences will likely require a multi-pronged approach and the collective efforts of individuals and governments across the globe. Climate change mitigation is one strategy that could pay significant dividends for the world and its inhabitants in the decades to come.