MEVE 011: Unit 14 – Mitigation Strategies

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 UNIT 14: MITIGATION STRATEGIES

14.1 Introduction

Climate change poses a serious threat to natural systems, human health, agriculture, and economies across the globe. While adaptation is necessary to cope with the impacts, mitigation is crucial to reduce the causes of climate change. Mitigation refers to all efforts aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere.

This unit discusses the need for climate change mitigation, explores various strategies, and highlights key technologies such as carbon capture, alternative energy options, and sustainable development practices that help reduce GHG emissions.

14.2 Objectives

After completing this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understand the meaning and importance of climate change mitigation.
  • Identify different strategies to reduce GHG emissions.
  • Explore the role of energy management and renewable energy in climate mitigation.
  • Understand the concept of sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.

14.3 Climate Change Mitigation

Climate change mitigation focuses on actions that limit the magnitude and rate of long-term climate change. It includes reducing emissions at the source, enhancing carbon sinks (like forests and oceans), and shifting to low-carbon development pathways. Mitigation not only helps stabilize the climate but also provides co-benefits such as better air quality, energy security, and public health improvements.

14.4 Need to Stabilize GHG Concentrations

Stabilizing GHG concentrations in the atmosphere is critical to preventing dangerous levels of global warming. Scientific assessments by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have indicated that if GHG levels continue to rise unchecked, average global temperatures could exceed 2°C above pre-industrial levels — causing irreversible damage.

Hence, urgent mitigation efforts are needed to:

  • Avoid extreme climate events
  • Limit sea level rise
  • Protect biodiversity
  • Ensure food and water security

14.5 Mitigation Strategies

Some of the key mitigation strategies include:

  • Switching to low-carbon energy sources
  • Improving energy efficiency in all sectors
  • Carbon sequestration in forests, oceans, and soils
  • Reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture
  • Waste management practices like recycling and composting
  • Sustainable transportation systems, such as electric vehicles and public transit

These strategies must be implemented at local, national, and global levels through policy, technology, and behavioral changes.

14.6 Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS)

Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) is a technology that captures CO₂ emissions from sources like power plants and industrial processes and stores it underground in geological formations. This prevents CO₂ from entering the atmosphere.

Key stages of CCS:

  • Capture: Separation of CO₂ from other gases.
  • Transport: Moving captured CO₂ via pipelines.
  • Storage: Injecting CO₂ into underground rock formations or depleted oil fields.

CCS is seen as a transitional solution for reducing emissions from fossil-fuel-based industries while shifting toward renewable energy.

14.7 Energy Management

14.7.1 Need for Energy Management

Energy production and consumption are major sources of GHG emissions. Efficient energy use reduces emissions and saves costs. Therefore, managing energy effectively is central to climate change mitigation.

14.7.2 Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency means using less energy to perform the same task. For example:

  • LED lights use less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
  • Efficient appliances, motors, and vehicles reduce energy demand.

Governments and industries can promote energy efficiency through building codes, appliance standards, and incentives for retrofitting.

14.8 Alternate Energy Options

Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable and clean energy sources is key to long-term mitigation. The following are major alternatives:

14.8.1 Bioenergy

Bioenergy is produced from organic materials like agricultural waste, crop residues, or wood. It can be used for electricity generation, heating, and even as fuel (bioethanol, biodiesel). However, sustainability is key — overuse can lead to deforestation or food insecurity.

14.8.2 Solar Energy

Solar energy uses sunlight to generate electricity or heat. It is clean, abundant, and ideal for off-grid rural areas. Technologies include:

  • Photovoltaic (PV) panels
  • Solar thermal systems

14.8.3 Wind Energy

Wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity. Wind farms can be onshore or offshore. It's a clean energy source but depends on consistent wind availability and suitable locations.

14.8.4 Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy uses heat from within the Earth to generate electricity or for direct heating. It is a low-emission and reliable energy source, especially in geologically active areas.

14.8.5 Hydroelectric Energy

This involves generating electricity by using flowing water (rivers or dams). It's renewable and scalable but can impact aquatic ecosystems and communities.

14.8.6 Ocean Energy

This includes energy from tides, waves, and ocean thermal gradients. It has vast potential but is still in the experimental phase in many countries.

14.8.7 Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power generates electricity without emitting GHGs during operation. While effective in mitigation, it poses safety concerns, radioactive waste disposal issues, and high initial costs.

14.9 Sustainable Buildings

Buildings contribute significantly to global GHG emissions. Sustainable buildings are designed to minimize energy use, reduce emissions, and provide healthy environments.

14.9.1 Designing Energy-Efficient Buildings

Energy-efficient buildings include features like:

  • Proper insulation and ventilation
  • Use of natural light
  • Solar panels for electricity
  • Rainwater harvesting
  • Green roofs and reflective surfaces

Smart urban planning, energy-efficient appliances, and green construction materials play an important role in reducing building-related emissions.

14.10 Let Us Sum Up

Mitigation is a proactive approach to address the root causes of climate change by limiting GHG emissions. Key strategies include energy efficiency, adoption of renewable energy, carbon capture technologies, and sustainable infrastructure development.

A multi-pronged strategy involving technological innovation, policy support, community participation, and international cooperation is essential to slow down global warming and promote sustainable development. Investing in mitigation today secures the planet’s future for generations to come.

 

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