Climate change mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Mitigation can be achieved by reducing sources of these gases, such as the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, or transport, or by enhancing the “sinks” that accumulate and store these gases, such as the oceans, forests, and soil. Mitigation can also mean using new technologies and renewable energies, making older equipment more energy-efficient, or changing management practices or consumer behavior.

Reducing demand for products and services that cause greenhouse gas emissions can also help in mitigating climate change. This can be achieved by reducing demand through behavioral and cultural changes, such as making changes in diet, especially the decision to reduce meat consumption, or by reducing the demand by improving infrastructure, such as building a good public transport network.

Mitigation costs will vary according to how and when emissions are cut. Early, well-planned action will minimize the costs. Globally, the benefits of keeping warming under 2 °C exceed the costs. Economists estimate the cost of climate change mitigation at between 1% and 2% of GDP.

In summary, climate change mitigation involves reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, either by reducing sources of these gases or enhancing the “sinks” that accumulate and store these gases. It can be achieved through various means, such as using new technologies, renewable energies, making older equipment more energy-efficient, or changing management practices or consumer behavior.