What is mitigation?
Big idea: Mitigation = reducing the cause. We try to prevent climate change from getting worse by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Mitigation vs adaptation
Mitigation
- Addresses the CAUSE
- Reduces GHG emissions
- Prevents future warming
- Benefits everyone globally
- Requires global cooperation
Adaptation
- Addresses the EFFECTS
- Adjusts to changes already happening
- Reduces vulnerability
- Benefits specific regions/groups
- Can be done locally
Both are needed! Mitigation slows the problem; adaptation helps us cope with changes that are already unavoidable.
Categories of mitigation
- Reducing emissions: Switch to renewables, improve efficiency, change behaviour
- Removing carbon: Afforestation, carbon capture and storage (CCS), direct air capture
- Avoiding emissions: Prevent deforestation, reduce waste, shift diets
Exam tip: The distinguish between mitigation and adaptation question is extremely common. Learn the key differences and be able to give examples of each.
Specific mitigation strategies
Big idea: Mitigation strategies range from technological solutions (renewables, CCS) to behaviour changes (diet, transport) to policy measures (carbon taxes, regulations).
Energy sector
- Renewable energy: Solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, tidal — zero emissions in operation
- Nuclear power: Low carbon but controversial (waste, safety, cost)
- Energy efficiency: Better insulation, efficient appliances, LED lighting
- Smart grids: Balance supply and demand, reduce waste
Carbon removal and storage
- Afforestation/reforestation: Trees absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS): Capture CO₂ from power plants, store underground
- Direct air capture: Machines that extract CO₂ directly from atmosphere (expensive)
- Soil carbon sequestration: Agricultural practices that store carbon in soil
Other sectors
- Transport: Electric vehicles, public transport, cycling, efficient vehicles
- Agriculture: Reduced meat consumption, improved livestock management, less fertiliser
- Industry: Process efficiency, material recycling, fuel switching
- Buildings: Green building standards, passive heating/cooling
Exam tip: For evaluation questions, consider pros and cons of each strategy: cost, feasibility, time scale, effectiveness, side effects.