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Flip to reveal answersWhat does mitigation of climate change mean?
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All 8 Flashcards — Mitigation of climate change
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Question
What does mitigation of climate change mean?
Answer
**Reducing the cause** — lowering greenhouse-gas emissions or **removing CO₂** from the atmosphere.
Question
How is adaptation different from mitigation?
Answer
**Adaptation copes with the effects** of warming (e.g. sea walls) and does **not lower CO₂**; **mitigation reduces the cause**.
Question
How does renewable energy mitigate climate change?
Answer
Solar, wind and hydro generate energy **without burning fossil fuels**, so **less CO₂ is added** to the atmosphere.
Question
What is a carbon sink? Give examples.
Answer
A store that **removes more CO₂ than it releases** — **forests, peatlands, soils and oceans**.
Question
Why does protecting forests help mitigate climate change?
Answer
Living trees **remove CO₂ by photosynthesis** (sequestration) and **store carbon in wood/soil**, keeping it out of the air.
Question
Why is deforestation doubly harmful?
Answer
It **removes a carbon sink** (less CO₂ removed) AND **releases stored carbon** when trees are burned or rot.
Question
Name one way to mitigate climate change other than energy and forests.
Answer
**Cut methane** (fewer cattle, better landfill) or use **carbon capture and storage (CCS)**.
Question
Is building a sea wall mitigation or adaptation?
Answer
**Adaptation** — it copes with an effect (rising sea level) and does **not lower CO₂**.
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Full study notes for Mitigation of climate change
Topic 4.12 hub
Climate change
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