Late best effort options for global climate change mitigation refer to measures and actions that are taken after the initial timelines or targets for climate change mitigation have passed. These options are usually implemented when there is a recognition that the existing efforts are insufficient to achieve the desired outcome of limiting global temperature rise.
Some of the late best effort options for global climate change mitigation include:
1. Rapid deployment of renewable energy: Increasing the deployment of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and replace fossil fuel-based energy production. Governments and policymakers can provide incentives and support to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, such as feed-in tariffs, subsidies, and tax breaks.
2. Energy efficiency improvements: Promoting energy-efficient technologies and practices can help reduce energy consumption and emissions. This can include measures like improving building insulation, encouraging energy-efficient appliances, and implementing strict efficiency standards for industries.
3. Carbon capture and storage (CCS): CCS technologies involve capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants or industrial facilities and storing them underground. Late best effort options could involve scaling up the deployment of CCS technologies to capture and store CO2 emissions, particularly in sectors where decarbonization is challenging.
4. Nature-based solutions: Preserving and restoring natural ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands, can help absorb and store carbon dioxide. Late best effort options could involve implementing large-scale reforestation and afforestation programs, protecting biodiversity-rich areas, and promoting sustainable land management practices.
5. Behavior change and consumption patterns: Encouraging individuals to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and consumption patterns can have a significant impact on reducing emissions. Late best effort options could include campaigns that promote energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable transportation choices.
6. International cooperation and policy coordination: Late best effort options could involve strengthening international cooperation and collaboration to address climate change. This can include sharing best practices, aligning climate policies, and increasing financial support to developing countries for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
It is important to note that late best effort options are typically seen as a response to past inaction or insufficient action and are unlikely to deliver the same level of impact as if they were implemented earlier. Therefore, it is vital to prioritize and implement proactive and timely measures to mitigate climate change rather than relying on late best effort options.
