Mitigation

Background

In the context of environmental economics and policy, mitigation refers to measures and strategies designed to reduce or limit the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in an effort to curb global warming. The core objective of mitigation is to address the root causes of climate change by targeting reductions in the sources of GHGs or enhancing the capacity of natural systems to absorb these emissions.

Historical Context

The term gained prominence in international policy discussions with growing scientific consensus on human-induced climate change. Key milestones include the establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988, the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, which set binding emission reduction targets for developed nations, and the Paris Agreement in 2015, which called for global cooperative efforts to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Definitions and Concepts

Mitigation encompasses a broad spectrum of activities aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing carbon sinks. These can be techno-centric, policy-driven, or behaviorally-oriented:

1. Technological changes: Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
2. Carbon sequestration technologies: Development and implementation of techniques to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
3. Energy efficiency improvements: Enhancing the efficiency of existing production processes to lower emissions.
4. Behavioral changes: Encouraging consumer practices that reduce GHG emissions.

Major Analytical Frameworks

Classical Economics

Classical economics does not directly address mitigation, focusing instead on the laissez-faire principle where government intervention is minimal.

Neoclassical Economics

Neoclassical models consider market-based instruments for mitigation, such as carbon trading and taxes. The emphasis is on finding the cost-efficient allocation of resources to achieve GHG reduction objectives.

Keynesian Economics

Here, the role of government is significant. Keynesians support active policy intervention, including substantial public investment in renewable energy technologies and infrastructure to foster economic stimuli alongside environmental benefits.

Marxian Economics

Marxian perspectives look at systemic issues and unequal global economic structures. Mitigation strategies from this viewpoint emphasize redistributive justice and critical analysis of how capitalist modes of production contribute to environmental degradation.

Institutional Economics

Institutional economics investigates the role that institutional frameworks play in shaping environmental policies. It places a strong focus on regulatory approaches to ensure compliance and effective mitigation strategies.

Behavioral Economics

This framework offers insights into how psychological and cognitive factors influence consumer behavior towards more sustainable practices and the internalization of environmental values.

Post-Keynesian Economics

Promotes the integration of environmental and economic policies through active government roles and progressive taxation to fund renewable energy projects and sustainability programs.

Austrian Economics

Advocates for market solutions and individual entrepreneurial actions in fostering technological innovation to achieve GHG reductions rather than state intervention.

Development Economics

Development economics frames mitigation in the context of sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. It emphasizes climate finance to support developing countries in their mitigation efforts.

Monetarism

Monetarism may offer less direct perspectives on climate mitigation, though some discussions explore the influence of monetary policy on green investments and climate-related financial instruments.

Comparative Analysis

Different economic schools provide varying prescriptions for effective mitigation, illuminating a comprehensive array of policy options ranging from market instruments to regulatory approaches, public investments, and behavioral incentives.

Case Studies

Several case studies illustrate successful mitigation efforts, such as:

• The transition to renewable energy in Germany under its Energiewende policy.
• The development of energy-efficient technologies in Japan after the oil shocks of the 1970s.
• Brazil’s incorporation of ethanol as a biofuel.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming” by David Wallace-Wells
2. “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate” by Naomi Klein
3. “Climate Change and Global Poverty” by Lael Brainard et al.
4. “Climate Shock: The Economic Consequences of a Hotter Planet” by Gernot Wagner and Martin L. Weitzman

Related Terms with Definitions

• Adaptation: Strategies and actions aimed at adjusting to the actual or expected impacts of climate change to reduce harm or exploit beneficial opportunities.
• Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually expressed in equivalent tons of CO2.
• Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

By structuring mitigation within multiple analytical frameworks and contexts, a deeper, multifaceted understanding of its implications and strategies can be fostered.