Climate Solutions: Controlling CO₂ Levels

Abstract

Climate change is already having many negative consequences and is expected to have many more negative consequences in the future. To mitigate these consequences, it is important to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we emit. The main greenhouse gas that is causing about 2/3 of global temperature rise is CO2. To control CO2 levels, it is necessary to reduce CO2 emissions and remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Reducing CO2 emissions is possible with conventional mitigation strategies, such as renewable energy, biofuel, or nuclear power. Negative emission strategies are bioenergy carbon capture and storage, growing trees, and creating biochar as it stores CO2 for a long time. Other possible strategies such as storing carbon in soil, capturing CO2 from the atmosphere, fertilizing the ocean, and restoring and constructing wetlands are possible as well but less promising.

Credit: This chapter is based on the scientific article “Strategies for mitigation of climate change: a review” by Samer Fawzy, Ahmed I. Osman, John Doran and David W. Rooney. (Full citation and link available at the end of the chapter)

Figure Credits

Fig. 5.1 kpboonjit on Shutterstock

Fig. 5.2 fotohunter on Shutterstock

Fig. 5.3 VectorMine on Shutterstock

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Fig. 5.12 Maria T Hoffman on Shutterstock