What is typically the primary focus of mitigation efforts in climate change?

The primary focus of mitigation efforts in climate change is reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Mitigation refers to strategies and actions aimed at limiting the magnitude of climate change by addressing its root causes. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are the primary contributors to global warming. By reducing these emissions, either through transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, or adopting sustainable practices in industry and agriculture, we can decrease the overall concentration of these gases in the atmosphere.

This choice is central to international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, which emphasizes the need for countries to set targets for emission reductions. While enhancing ecosystem adaptation, restoring ecological integrity, and managing biodiversity are indeed important aspects of climate action and can help societies adjust to changes in climate, they are generally more closely aligned with adaptation strategies rather than direct mitigation efforts. Therefore, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions is fundamental to effectively combating climate change and addressing its impacts on both the environment and human society.