Mitigation and Adaptation Climate change 7.3

Mitigation and Adaptation Mitigation involves reduction and/or stabilization of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their removal from the atmosphere. Politicians agreed to try to limit the increase in average global temperature to no more than 2°C above the pre-industrial mean temperature. Adaptation refers to efforts to live with the consequences of climate change. Adaption includes measures such as protecting cities from storm surges and protecting crops from high temperatures and droughts.

Mitigation strategies Mitigation strategies to reduce GHGs in general may include: – reduction of energy consumption – reduction of emissions of nitrogen oxides and methane from agriculture – use of alternatives to fossil fuel – geo-engineering

Mitigation strategies for carbon dioxide removal (CDR techniques) include: – protecting and enhancing carbon sinks through land management (e.g. United Nations Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Forest in Developing Countries (UN-REDD) programme) – using biomass as fuel source – using carbon capture and storage (CCS) – enhancing carbon dioxide absorption by the oceans through either fertilizing oceans with nitrogen, phosphorus, iron (N/P/Fe) to encourage the biological pump, or increasing upwellings to release nutrients to the surface

National and international methods to prevent further increases in mean global temperature Ways in which individuals can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions controlling the amount of atmospheric pollution reducing atmospheric pollution stopping forest clearance increasing forest cover developing alternative renewable energy sources improving public transport setting national limits on carbon emissions developing carbon dioxide capture methods recycling programmes grow your own food eat locally produced foods use energy-efficient products rather than traditional ones reduce your heating – insulate your home unplug standby appliances when not in use turn off lights reduce the use of air conditioning and refrigerants use a manual lawnmower rather than an electric or diesel one turn off taps take a shower rather than a bath walk more ride a bike use public transport use biofuels eat lower down the food chain (vegetables rather than meat) buy organic food get involved in local political action.

The Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol treaty was negotiated in December 1997 at the city of Kyoto, Japan and came into force February 16th, 2005. "The Kyoto Protocol is a legally binding agreement under which industrialized countries will reduce their collective emissions of greenhouse gases by 5.2% compared to the year 1990 (but note that, compared to the emissions levels that would be expected by 2010 without the Protocol, this target represents a 29% cut). The goal is to lower overall emissions from six greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, HFCs, and PFCs - calculated as an average over the five-year period of 2008-12. National targets range from 8% reductions for the European Union and some others to 7% for the US, 6% for Japan, 0% for Russia, and permitted increases of 8% for Australia and 10% for Iceland."

Carbon taxes These taxes have been introduced by some countries – Britain is one example. Carbon tax is a form of pollution tax. It levies a fee on the production, distribution or use of fossil fuels based on how much carbon their combustion emits. The tax makes using dirty fuels more­ expensive, so it encourages utilities, businesses and individuals to reduce consumption and increase energy efficiency

Carbon trading An attempt to create a market in which permit issued by governmentsto emit carbon dioxide are traded . In Europe permits are traded through the emission trading system (ETS) Governments set targets for the amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted by industries and divide these between plants or companies. It is working but not well – critics say that targets are too generous.

Carbon offset Carbon offsets are a form of trade. When you buy an offset, you fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. E.g. restore forests, update power plants or increase energy efficiency in transport Carbon offsets let you pay to reduce the global GHG total instead of making radical or impossible reductions of your own. Carbon offsets are voluntary. People and businesses buy them to reduce their carbon footprints or build up their green image. Can be seen as dangerous because they dissuade people from making changes to their own lives.

Adaptation • Building design - improved air conditioning and circulation in building in the temperate zone • Emerging diseases - monitoring and control of spreading tropical diseases • Coastal management - improved sea defences or managed retreat from low- lying coastal areas