Climate Mitigation
Climate mitigation revolves around reducing human-caused greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, agriculture, and deforestation.
Reducing emissions requires transitioning to a renewable energy-dominant energy economy. Making our buildings, devices, and transportation more energy efficient, halting the destruction of vital forests, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices are methods of mitigating emissions, among many other benefits.
Globally, the ratification of the Paris Accord at COP21 in 2015 displays the “art of the possible.” While aspirational and non-binding.197 countries ratified it—a historic achievement.
Arguably, the Paris Accord is an inflection point for collective international action. Even with its flaws and how much more complicated the world has become since then, it is backed by almost every country on the planet.
Cities and states often pick up the slack where international climate leadership is lacking.
- For individuals, there are various small ways we can mitigate our carbon footprint:
- Buying locally when possible helps reduce emissions from shipping (and supports the local economy)
- Put solar panels on your roof and make your own energy
- Using energy-efficient appliances is a win-win, reducing energy costs and emissions.
- Driving a fuel-efficient, hybrid, or full-electric car as carmakers begin taking EVs seriously and energy infrastructure develops alongside electric vehicles.
- We can leave the car at home, walk or bike a few miles instead of driving.
- Fly less
- Eat less meat
How far to go with our climate mitigation efforts is an individual choice. Everyone has a right to take a plane ride or eat a steak if they can afford it. But we do have options to reduce our costs and send the market signals that climate mitigation is essential to our “consumer habits.” We must be willing to adjust.
Whether we are or not, adjustments will come to how we relate to the Earth and each other.