No Action is Not an Option
Mitigation focuses on the root/cause of climate change: the heat-trapping greenhouse gases that humans are adding to the atmosphere faster than our planet can absorb them.
Generally there are 4 ways to mitigate climate change; these are:
Replace
This refers to changing the source of energy that is used. For example, instead of using oil, we change to solar energy or wind energy to fuel our homes.
Absorb
Absorb means to take in the GHGs from the air to store them. For example, planting trees helps absorb CO2 from the air.
Stop
Simply put, this action involves reducing or stopping the use of actions or energy that gives out GHGs.
Efficiency
This action involves making things do more at the cost of less energy. For example, energy-saving light bulbs use less energy to do the same thing as a normal light-bulb.
Let’s take a look at more examples of the 4 types of mitigation actions that we take to address climate change!
Replace
Replace fossil fuel with renewable energy such wind or solar.
Replace fossil fuel with more low carbon non-renewable such as nuclear energy.
Replace with biofuel or use energy from nature such as hydro-energy or geothermal energy.
Use EV cars instead of cars that use oil.
Absorb
Plant more trees to absorb CO2 from the air, such as planting mangrove trees.
Develop and work on carbon-capture and storage technology. Such as installing filters in coal plants or oil plants to absorb CO2. Or create carbon capture plants which absorb CO2 directly from the air
Stop
Turn off your lights or air-condition when you leave your room.
Stop companies from using single-use plastics or straws.
Use public transport instead of cars.
Efficiency
Buy energy-saving lights.
Insulate your home, so cool air doesn’t come out as easily. That way you don’t need to use too much energy for your air-condition.
Buy energy-efficient technology for fridges, TVs and plugs.
Use energy tracking software to check if you’re using too much energy.
Nature-based Solutions
Let’s give a special spotlight to nature-based solutions, the talk of the town on fighting climate change!
Nature-based solutions is the sustainable management and use of natural processes to tackle climate related social issues. These issues include for example climate change mitigation and adaptation, water security, stopping and reducing the impact of natural disasters and so on.
It can be as simple as planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide or creating green roofs, rain gardens, or constructing wetlands which can minimize damaging runoff by absorbing stormwater, reducing flood risks and safeguarding freshwater ecosystems.
Take a look at the video just below for a better idea of the amazing potential of nature-based solutions.
Case Study: Colombia’s Green Building Revolution
Buildings and appliances consume about 30% of global energy and are responsible for 27% of CO2 emissions. Without energy efficient construction, homes and buildings can become a major cause of climate change. Once they are built, its hard to build them back better.
When it comes to building Green, Colombia has seen great success through it’s mandatory green building code which was implemented in 2015. The government introduced tax incentives for technical solutions such as insulation and energy-efficient air conditioning systems and received financing from the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank. By the end of 2022, Colombia had 11.5 million square meters of green space certified and in 2022 alone, 27% of new buildings were certified as green.
Colombia’s success shows that if we plan well and call for better policies, even our comfy homes can be the place where we can beat climate change. Take a look at the video below to learn more about Colombia’s Green Building Transformation.