9.4 Mitigation & Adaptation
Addressing climate change requires both mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (preparing for impacts). Net-zero by 2050 is needed to limit warming to 1.5°C.
Mitigation Strategies
Renewable Energy
Solar, wind, hydro replacing fossil fuels. Costs have dropped 90% in a decade.
Electrification
EVs, heat pumps, industrial processes powered by clean electricity.
Carbon Capture
Direct air capture, BECCS. Needed for hard-to-abate sectors.
Nature-Based Solutions
Forests, wetlands, soil carbon. Co-benefits for biodiversity.
Carbon Budget
Remaining CO₂ budget for 1.5°C: ~400 Gt CO₂ (from 2020). At current rates (~40 Gt/yr), budget exhausted by 2030.