What are some strategies and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance sinks that absorb these gases from the atmosphere?

Answer from top 10 papers

Climate change mitigation encompasses a variety of strategies and actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing sinks that absorb these gases from the atmosphere. The papers reviewed provide a comprehensive overview of these strategies, ranging from international mechanisms and national policies to technological innovations and the role of various sectors and communities in addressing climate change.
Interestingly, while technological change is closely linked to climate finance and market mechanisms in mitigating climate change (Abubakar & Dano, 2019), the role of manufacturing companies, particularly in developing countries, is also significant. These companies adopt strategies such as waste reduction, recycling, and energy efficiency to reduce their carbon footprint (Mume & Mohammed, 2022). Additionally, the potential of religion in influencing values and political action towards climate change mitigation is noted, although this potential remains largely unrealized (Ali et al., 2024). Extremophilic fungi emerge as an underexplored resource in sequestering carbon and degrading pollutants (Almashhour & Kolo, 2023), while technological innovation in the energy sector is crucial for achieving emissions reductions (Tunji-Olayeni et al., 2021). Urban planning methods, such as managing the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon, are critical in making cities more sustainable and mitigating their impact on climate change (Peeters et al., 2023). However, there is a noted gap in sustainable tourism literature regarding in-depth research into climate change mitigation (Thimphu et al., 2023). The financial sector, through energy and carbon finance, can facilitate the transition to low-carbon economies (Li, 2024). Lastly, the role of developing countries, such as Saudi Arabia, in implementing sustainable urban planning strategies is highlighted, although these efforts are still in their early stages (Hearn et al., 2024).
In summary, climate change mitigation is a multifaceted issue that requires concerted efforts across various sectors and scales. Technological advancements, financial mechanisms, urban planning, and even the influence of religion and culture play roles in this global endeavor. While progress is being made, the literature suggests that there is still a need for more comprehensive implementation and integration of mitigation strategies to effectively combat climate change (Abubakar & Dano, 2019; Ali et al., 2024; Almashhour & Kolo, 2023; Hearn et al., 2024; Li, 2024; Mume & Mohammed, 2022; Peeters et al., 2023; Thimphu et al., 2023; Tunji-Olayeni et al., 2021; Zong et al., 2020).

Source Papers

Sustainable urban planning strategies for mitigating climate change in Saudi Arabia

There is a growing attention on the role of rapidly growing developing countries in mitigating climate change, especially in curbing the emissions of greenhouse gases. Estimates show that in the year 2011, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from developing countries constituted about 63% of the world’s total, compared with only 37% for developed countries. Thus, developing countries must be an integral part of global actions toward combating climate change. In Saudi Arabia, the energy use per capita of 6937.23 kg of oil equivalent in 2014 was 3.6 times the global average and the per capita CO2 emission of 19.53 metric tons was the seventh highest. With sensitive ecosystems, limited freshwater resources and substantial coastal developments, the country is vulnerable to climate change. As such, the country has recently initiated some sustainable urban planning strategies in its major urban centers as part of its climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. However, few studies have assessed the extent of the implementation of the strategies. Based on secondary data analysis, this article found that the implementation of the strategies is at infancy with urban greening, public transportation, and green building projects gradually gaining prominence. The paper recommends more focus on rising building and population density, mandating mixed land uses, as well as public enlightenment and engagement about climate change impacts and energy choices.

Prospective Roles of Extremophilic Fungi in Climate Change Mitigation Strategies.

Climate change and the resultant environmental deterioration signify one of the most challenging problems facing humankind in the 21st century. The origins of climate change are multifaceted and rooted in anthropogenic activities, resulting in increasing greenhouse gases in the environment and leading to global warming and weather drifts. Extremophilic fungi, characterized by their exceptional properties to survive extreme habitats, harbor great potential in mitigating climate change effects. This review provides insight into the potential applications of extremophilic fungi in climate change mitigation strategies. They are able to metabolize organic biomass and degrade carbon compounds, thereby safely sequestering carbon and extenuating its release into the environment as noxious greenhouse gases. Furthermore, they possess extremozymes, which break down recalcitrant organic species, including lignocellulosic biomass and hydrocarbons. Enzymatic machinery equips these extremophilic fungi to perform the bioremediation of polluted environments. Extremophilic fungi can also be exploited for various biological interventions, such as biofuels, bioplastics, and other bioprocessing applications. However, these fungi characterize a valued but underexplored resource in the arsenal of climate change mitigation strategies.

Open Access
Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: A Case of Manufacturing Companies in Ota, Nigeria

Carbon emissions (C02) from manufacturing companies contribute significantly to the volume of atmospheric Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) that trigger climate change. Mitigating climate change has become necessary because of the effects it has on social, economic and environmental outcomes. The minutest action taken against climate change can reduce its devastating impacts. Hence, this study assesses the strategies used by manufacturing companies in mitigating climate change. The study location is Ota, Nigeria. In this paper, a quantitative research approach was adopted with questionnaires distributed to participants at a climate change workshop, which is analysed using statistical techniques. The results show, among others, that all the respondents are aware of climate change and the most common source of climate change knowledge is the mass media. Moreover, most of the respondents describe climate change as a rise in global temperatures. Waste reduction, waste recycling, and waste reuse are the most common climate change mitigation strategies adopted by the manufacturing companies. Other mitigation strategies include: use of energy-saving bulbs in offices and factories and switching off electrical appliances when not in use. Although the findings indicate that the manufacturing companies are taking some steps to mitigate climate change, a lot still has to be done in reducing carbon emission levels, particularly during the manufacturing process. It is also essential that manufacturers use renewable energy sources as alternative power instead of diesel generators so that the volume of atmospheric carbon in the region can be reduced considerably. The role of government in driving emission reduction is also emphasised. The study provides baseline data that can be used in the development and implementation of policies on regional climate change mitigation strategies.

Open Access
An Overview of Issues and Options for Technology Innovation and Climate Change Policy

Climate change is a prominent global environmental challenge that is predicted to have a significant impact in the future. Addressing this issue requires substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, which, in turn, necessitated major technological changes in the energy and related sectors. Those changes are crucial to achieving emissions reductions at an acceptable social cost. Fortunately, there is some consensus at the international level regarding the need for action and solutions to combat climate change. Both at the domestic and international levels, implementing policies that promote the necessary technological innovations for climate change mitigation presents institutional challenges. Developing and successfully implementing such policies requires navigating various perspectives on understanding the economics of technological innovation. To move forward and make progress in mitigating climate change, it is essential to explore viable pathways. Technological advancements offer promising solutions for combating climate change. Leveraging technology can enable countries and companies to meet their emission reduction targets effectively. Emphasizing sustainable behaviors and household actions can play a crucial role in rapidly reducing carbon emissions. Moreover, the energy transition in Europe highlights the systematic approach needed to address the challenges of decarbonization. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized the urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, underscoring the need for transformative actions and innovation. A comprehensive understating of barriers, emotions, and motivational levers can inform effective pathways for lifestyle transformations and household decarbonization. While technological innovation is pivotal, it should be complemented by policy interventions that target household consumption and behavioral decisions to achieve low-carbon futures. Behavioral change, combined with technological advancements, can provide a sustainable pathway toward reducing carbon footprints and mitigating climate change The paper attempts to explain the various points of view on understanding the economics of technological innovations and a way forward on what appears to be possible for climate change mitigation.

Open Access