Climate Change
Mitigation & Adaptation (7.3)
Mitigation vs Adaptation
Mitigation
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Adaptation
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Mitigation
Mitigation: reduction and/or stabilization of Greenhouse gas emissions and their removal from the atmosphere.
Three possible choices with given the information:
Ideally, we would reduce the current levels to previous pre-industrial levels or lower them. Realistically that is probably not an option, as it would require an almost 80% reduction in emissions of GHGs. Given our dependence on energy and the desire to maintain our lifestyles, this is unlikely to happen unless we find a better energy solution or can adapt technology to fit. So our better hope is to stabilize the current levels or even slightly reduce them.
Some examples of Mitigation techniques:
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Adaptation
Adaptation: reduce adverse effects and maximize any positive effects; Measures that aim to reduce the vulnerability of natural and human impact. These are measures that aim to reduce the vulnerability of natural and human impact
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7 adaptation strategies
Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation How realistic/ sustainable are these adaptations for MEDCs vs LEDCs?
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International Agreement effectiveness
Overall, there has been progress in terms of Climate Action Agreements, but very little progress the fulfillment of these promises. This can be attributed to a variety of factors including but not limited to: the non-binding agreement of these agreements, the inability to fulfill promised GHG reductions, etc.
Two examples of international agreements in the past few decades:
Two examples of international agreements in the past few decades:
- Example 1: Kyoto Protocol (1997/2005) - signed by many nations (160) called for the first legally binding commitments to reduce CO2 emissions. Initially considered a win due to the number of countries that signed. But still considered ineffective as at least 55 countries have not fully adopted their agreed upon reductions in order to reach reduction goals. (USA did not sign)
- Success or Failure of the Kyoto Protocol (Circular Ecology)
- Example 2: Paris Agreement (2015) - Countries agreed to specific reductions in of their own making to reducing carbon emissions (not binding under international law). On paper it is a good idea, at those who made commitments make up 70% of emissions, however, the non-binding nature of the agreement, means it only works if the nations do their part, which has yet to be seen. (USA pulled out under Trump administration & rejoined under Biden administration)
- Success of the Pair Agreement (Brookings)