Answer: Adaptive and Mitigative Measures for Carbon Reduction
Addressing climate change requires two complementary approaches: Mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and Adaptation (adjusting to current and future climate impacts). Both are essential as some warming is already locked in, while limiting future warming requires urgent emission reductions.
Mitigation focuses on reducing the sources of greenhouse gases or enhancing sinks that absorb them.
1. Energy Sector Transformation
- Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, hydro replacing fossil fuels (India target: 500 GW by 2030)
- Nuclear Power: Zero-carbon baseload electricity
- Grid Modernization: Smart grids, storage integration
- Coal Phase-Down: Retire old plants, no new coal capacity
- Clean Cooking: LPG, solar, biogas replacing biomass burning
2. Energy Efficiency
- Buildings: ECBC compliance, green buildings (GRIHA, LEED)
- Industry: PAT scheme, waste heat recovery, process optimization
- Appliances: BEE star ratings, efficient lighting (LED)
- Transportation: Fuel efficiency standards, aerodynamics
3. Transport Decarbonization
- Electric Vehicles: FAME II incentives, charging infrastructure
- Public Transport: Metro, BRT, electric buses
- Biofuels: E20 ethanol blending by 2025
- Hydrogen: Green hydrogen for heavy transport
- Modal Shift: Rail freight, waterways over road
4. Industrial Emission Reduction
- Process Efficiency: Modern technology, automation
- Fuel Switching: Electrification, biomass, hydrogen
- Material Efficiency: Reduce, reuse, recycle
- CCUS: Capture emissions from steel, cement, chemicals
5. Land Use and Forestry
- Afforestation: Planting new forests (India target: 2.5-3 billion tonnes CO2 sink)
- Reforestation: Restoring degraded forests
- Reducing Deforestation: REDD+ programs
- Sustainable Agriculture: No-till farming, agroforestry
6. Carbon Capture and Removal
- CCS: Capture from power plants, industries
- Direct Air Capture: Remove CO2 from atmosphere
- BECCS: Bioenergy with carbon capture
- Enhanced Weathering: Accelerate natural CO2 absorption
7. Policy Mechanisms
- Carbon Pricing: Tax or trading systems
- Renewable Mandates: RPO, REC mechanisms
- Subsidies: For clean technology adoption
- Regulations: Emission standards, efficiency codes
Adaptation involves adjusting systems and practices to reduce vulnerability to climate impacts that are already occurring or unavoidable.
1. Agriculture Adaptation
- Climate-Resilient Varieties: Drought, flood, heat tolerant crops
- Crop Diversification: Shift to millets, pulses, resilient species
- Water Management: Micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting
- Altered Cropping Calendar: Adjust sowing dates
- Weather Information: Agromet advisories for farmers
- Crop Insurance: PMFBY for risk transfer
2. Water Resource Management
- Rainwater Harvesting: Capture and store precipitation
- Watershed Development: Conserve soil and water
- Efficient Irrigation: Drip, sprinkler systems
- Groundwater Recharge: Managed aquifer recharge
- Water Recycling: Treat and reuse wastewater
3. Infrastructure Resilience
- Climate-Proof Design: Buildings, roads resistant to extreme weather
- Flood Management: Drainage systems, flood barriers
- Coastal Protection: Sea walls, mangrove restoration
- Urban Planning: Green spaces, permeable surfaces
4. Ecosystem-Based Adaptation
- Mangrove Restoration: Coastal protection, carbon sink
- Wetland Conservation: Natural flood buffers
- Urban Green Spaces: Parks, green roofs for cooling
- Biodiversity Protection: Maintain ecosystem services
5. Health Sector Adaptation
- Heat Action Plans: Early warning, cooling centers
- Disease Surveillance: Monitor climate-sensitive diseases
- Healthcare Capacity: Prepare for climate health impacts
6. Disaster Risk Reduction
- Early Warning Systems: Cyclone, flood alerts
- Emergency Response: NDRF, evacuation plans
- Risk Mapping: Identify vulnerable areas
- Building Codes: Cyclone, earthquake resistant
India's Climate Commitments: 45% emission intensity reduction by 2030 | 500 GW non-fossil capacity | 50% electricity from renewables | Net-Zero by 2070 | NAPCC with 8 national missions
Conclusion
Addressing climate change requires both mitigation (reducing emissions through renewable energy, efficiency, clean transport, CCUS, afforestation) and adaptation (adjusting to impacts through resilient agriculture, water management, infrastructure, ecosystems). Mitigation limits future warming while adaptation reduces vulnerability to changes already underway. India's NAPCC provides a comprehensive framework with 8 national missions covering both approaches. Success requires coordinated global action, policy support, technology deployment, and finance, with developed countries supporting developing nations. Neither mitigation nor adaptation alone is sufficient - both are essential for a climate-resilient future.
Sources: Module 1 & 4 Notes | IPCC AR6 | India's NDC | NAPCC