Our research on climate change mitigation focuses on finding ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sinks to limit the warming of the planet. This includes strategies like reducing energy consumption, transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable land management practices. The research also explores the role of technological and social innovations in achieving these goals.
Key areas of research in climate change mitigation include:
- Reducing emissions from different sectors:This includes reducing emissions from the energy sector, transportation, industry, and agriculture.
- Developing and deploying low-carbon technologies:This includes renewable energy technologies, carbon capture and storage, and other innovative technologies.
- Promoting sustainable land management:This includes reforestation, afforestation, and sustainable agriculture practices.
- Reducing demand for goods and services:This includes promoting energy efficiency, reducing consumption, and changing behaviors.
- Developing and implementing climate policies:This includes carbon pricing mechanisms, emissions reduction targets, and other policies that promote mitigation.
- Understanding the impacts of mitigation measures:This includes assessing the effectiveness of different mitigation measures, the potential costs and benefits, and the social and economic impacts.
Examples of research in climate change mitigation:
- Studies on the potential of renewable energy:Researchers are studying the potential of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power to decarbonize the energy sector.
- Research on carbon capture and storage (CCS):Researchers are developing and testing CCS technologies to capture CO2 emissions from industrial sources and store them underground.
- Studies on the effectiveness of afforestation and reforestation:Researchers are studying the role of trees in absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and the potential for large-scale reforestation projects.
- Research on the social and economic impacts of climate policies:Researchers are studying the potential costs and benefits of different climate policies and the impacts on vulnerable populations.
The urgency of climate change mitigation is highlighted by the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, which states that global emissions must decline by 43% from 2019 levels by 2030 to stay within the safety limits established by the Paris Agreement. The report also emphasizes the need to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.