klimatmitigation

Klimatmitigation, or climate mitigation, refers to the set of actions and policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing sinks to limit human-caused climate change. It encompasses both reducing emissions and removing CO2 and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The objective is to limit warming to targets such as well below 2°C relative to pre-industrial levels, with a goal toward 1.5°C where feasible, as established in international agreements.

Mitigation strategies span energy systems, transport, industry, buildings, agriculture, forestry, and land use. They include improving energy efficiency, electrifying end-use sectors, deploying low-emission technologies, expanding renewable energy, deploying carbon capture and storage where applicable, and protecting or expanding carbon sinks through afforestation and sustainable land management.

Policy tools include carbon pricing, emissions trading, performance standards, subsidies for low-emission technologies, and public investment in research and deployment. International cooperation, such as nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement, guides national mitigation actions and helps align efforts across sectors.

Measurement relies on greenhouse gas inventories and modeling of emissions scenarios. Climate mitigation also involves evaluating trade-offs and co-benefits, such as improvements in air quality and energy security, as well as distributional impacts and technological readiness.

Mitigation is typically pursued alongside adaptation, since reducing exposure to climate risks complements efforts to limit warming. Successful mitigation requires long-term policy certainty, adequate funding, and coordinated governance to overcome barriers and align incentives.