In the context of climate change, mitigation refers to actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) that already exists in our atmosphere and oceans.
What is public health’s role in mitigation?
On the most basic level, mitigation is to climate change what prevention is to public health. It is public health's role to promote changes in policies, systems and environments that help prevent the acceleration of climate change.
Many mitigation strategies provide multiple benefits in addition to reducing CO2 in our atmosphere. We call these co-benefits. For instance, expanding tree canopy in an urban area not only reduces CO2, but also helps address the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and manage storm water. Public health can advocate for mitigation strategies that have co-benefits, especially those that benefit our most vulnerable populations.
Selected Mitigation Resources
National and International
Pacific Northwest Region
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