Climate change mitigation consists of actions to limit the magnitude or rate of long-term global warming and its related effects. Climate change mitigation generally involves reductions in human emissions of greenhouse gases primary carbon dioxide. Mitigation may also be accomplished by increasing the capacity of carbon sinks through actions such as reforestation. Sustainability projects such as white roofs are also very effective against fighting climate change. Mitigation policies and innovation technology such as renewable energy sources like solar power can substantially reduce the risks associated with human-induced global warming.
Reforestation is the natural or intentional replacement of existing forests and woodlands that have been used up, usually because of deforestation for agriculture and urban development. Reforestation can be used to solve or improve the quality of human life by soaking up pollution and dust from the air, rebuild natural habitats, and mitigating global warming since forests facilitate bio sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and harvest for resources, particularly timber. The United States’ forests offset between ten to twenty percent of U.S. emissions each year. Reforestation helps sustain and increase the carbon sequestration potential of our forests, mitigating the effects of global climate change.
White roof projects also play a part in mitigating climate change. A white roof is painted with solar reflective white coating and reflects up to ninety percent of sunlight unlike traditional black roofs which reflect only twenty percent. This keeps buildings cool and lowers energy consumption. White roofs reduce summer energy use by ten to forty percent, which saves money and prevents pollution. White roofs help curb climate change according to white roof project “…replacing non-reflective, dark roofing materials with white ones … (every 1000 square feet) would result in an equivalent CO2 offset of 10 metric tons (about $250) annually”.
Solar energy comes from the sun’s radiation. The sun is a powerful and clean energy source, and this energy source can be harnessed by installing solar panels. In the past solar energy was very expensive and inefficient but with the purpose of mitigating climate change there has been a greater need for the technology and it has been improved considerably, turning into a significantly efficient source of clean energy. Solar Energy is a sustainable form of energy which is usually a one-time investment and will provide long term benefits to people. Its sustainable nature will protect the needs of the present population without compromising on the needs of future population. Solar energy poses no threat to the planet as there are no harmful emissions of any kind in its production. Solar energy also helps in reducing air and water pollution. Solar pumping water systems actually help in better distribution and conservation of water, and do not emit greenhouse gases or other air pollutants in the process. Solar panels also help in reducing hazardous waste, resource mining which help chemical industries lower the amount of waste that coal and oil-based energy plants produce. Solar technology is cost effective and will reduce the dependency on expensive fuel and gas. Solar energy diminishes the risk of health hazards like respiratory issues and various kinds of cancers problems.
Mitigation of climate change encompasses the elements of reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, either by reducing sources of these gases such as the burning of fossil fuels for energy or enhancing the sinks that accumulate and store these gases such as the forests, oceans and soils. The purpose of mitigation is to avoid significant human interference with the climate system, and stabilize greenhouse gas levels in a timespan sufficient enough to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change. With the use of new polices, sustainability projects, and new innovation in renewable energy technology we can fight climate change and heal the planet.
Sources:
http://www.whiteroofproject.org/faq
https://www.nationalforests.org/get-involved/tree-planting-programs/benefits-of-reforestation
https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/5-advantages-and-5-disadvantages-of-solar-energy
https://climate.nasa.gov/solutions/adaptation-mitigation/
