What is climate change mitigation?

• Mitigation involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions to lessen the severity of climate change impacts over the long term. This often includes implementing policies and actions to reduce emissions. 
• Mitigation, adaptation, and energy access are interconnected aspects of addressing climate change. 
• Energy access plays a crucial role as it underpins both mitigation and adaptation efforts. It is essential for implementing mitigation strategies like renewable energy adoption, while also enabling adaptive measures such as powering climate-resilient infrastructure and providing clean energy solutions in vulnerable communities. 
• Therefore, integrating mitigation with adaptation strategies and ensuring equitable energy access are vital components of a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change impacts effectively.

Climate change mitigation in sub-Saharan Africa

• In the African context, mitigation is often directed at lowering emissions, yet per capita (per person) emissions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are, on average, historically (and currently) lower than the global average. 
• However, mitigation planning remains crucial to help avoid future emissions and prevent lock-in to carbon-intensive systems. 
• Mitigation goals contribute to a comprehensive approach to mitigating climate change by reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices across multiple sectors such as waste, transport, energy and agriculture. 
• Furthermore, integrating mitigation with adaptation strategies and ensuring equitable energy access allows for the development of:
  • resilient infrastructure, 
  • climate-smart agricultural practices, and 
  • enhanced early warning systems, which are essential for the region’s sustainable development.