Climate Change Mitigation (HL IB ESS OLD COURSE - IGNORE)
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
Climate change mitigation is now of crucial importance for human societies
Mitigation strategies focus on reducing and stabilising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Climate change mitigation includes:
Reducing GHG emissions at their source
Developing techniques to remove GHGs from the atmosphere
Mitigation Strategies to Reduce GHGs
Mitigation Strategy | How to Implement Strategy |
|---|---|
Reduction of Energy Consumption | Implement energy efficiency measures such as insulation, efficient lighting and higher efficiency appliances Promote smart grids and energy management systems Support energy-efficient industrial processes |
Transport Policies | Implement fuel efficiency standards for vehicles Implement policies to promote electric vehicles, hybrid cars and fuel-efficient transportation systems Invest in public transportation infrastructure to reduce reliance on individual car usage Encourage sustainable transportation options like public transit, cycling, and walking |
Reduction of Emissions from Agriculture | Implement agricultural practices to minimise nitrogen oxides and methane emissions Promote sustainable livestock management techniques such as improved feed quality, methane capture systems and rotational grazing |
Use of Alternatives to Fossil Fuels | Transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy Promote electric vehicles (EVs) and support the development of charging infrastructure Invest in research and development of biofuels, hydrogen and nuclear energy |
Geoengineering | Explore solar radiation management techniques like stratospheric aerosol injection to reflect sunlight back into space |
Carbon Tax | Implement a tax on carbon emissions to incentivise reduction in GHG emissions |
Natural carbon Sinks (e.g. forestation, rewilding) | Afforestation and reforestation, promote rewilding initiatives, restore degraded ecosystems, and protect existing forests to increase carbon sinks |
Carbon Capture and Storage | Carbon removal techniques such as direct air capture (DAC) to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere Develop and deploy technologies to capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial and energy processes Store captured carbon dioxide underground or in other long-term repositories |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Afforestation refers to the process of planting trees on land that has not been previously forested in order to create a new forest. It involves converting non-forest land into forested land through tree planting and establishment.
Reforestation involves restoring or replanting trees in an area that was once forested but has been deforested or degraded, typically due to human activities such as logging, agriculture or fire. It aims to restore the ecological function and biodiversity of a former forested area.
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