Talk:Mitigation

This is a proposed revision that's being developed for the mitigation portal page article.  Mitigation version 2 is the following:

Mitigation refers to the reduction of greenhouse gases so as to slow the rate of increase of global warming (see climate science).  There is some controversy surrounding the optimal pace of addressing the Mitigation challenge, largely depending on what assumption is made regarding the time value of money.  However, there is broad-based support that the world needs to move as fast as reasonably possible to avoid large costs of both climate related impacts and costs associated with adapting to climate change.   IPCC modelers and IEA have identified four technology challenges that can make the kind of impact needed to contain increases in global temperatures:

1. Energy efficiency is consistently identified as the highest priority intervention as it includes many of the lowest cost interventions and includes benefits outside of global warming considerations, including energy security and the reduction of other pollutants.  Energy efficiency measures that have been identified include:
   1. Moving away from incandescent bulbs and replacing them with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and, possibly, Light Emitting Diodes
   2. Increasing the efficiency of motors through their replacement and upgrading control systems
   3. Smart grids that improve the effectiveness of pricing information, possibly including direct control over equipment that can be shut down or cycled to reduce consumption
   4. Continued improvements to appliance efficiency through programs like Energy Star 
   5. Building envelope improvements including upgrading windows, doors and insulation
   6. Co-generation, particularly from Refineries and Steel Mills
   7. Transportation improvements
      1. Hybrid Cars
      2. Electric Cars
      3. Diesel engines
      4. Bus Rapid Transit
      5. Improved Urban Planning
      6. Biofuels 
2. Renewable Energy
   1. Hydropower 
   2. Wind power 
   3. Solar power
      1. Photovoltaics
      2. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
   4. Geothermal 
   5. Bioenergy
3. Nuclear power 
4. Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

In addition to the four primary technology areas identified by IPCC/IEA, the following six areas also hold promise for reducing GHG emissions:

1. Fuel Switching - from coal to natural gas, for example
2. Gas Flaring Reduction
3. Reduction of Fugitive Methane Emissions
4. Avoided Deforestation
5. Reforestation
6. Improved Agricultural Practices