Climate change a fact, despite is possible to mitigate its effects

The IPCC (Inter-governmental panel on climate change) fourth assessment report initially indicates that Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level.

Changes in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and aerosols, land-cover and solar radiation alter the energy balance of the climate system. There is very high confidence that the net effect of human activities since 1750 has been one of warming.

There is high agreement and much evidence that with current climate change mitigation policies and related, sustainable development practices, global GHG emissions will continue to grow over the next few decades. Continued GHG emissions at or above current rates would cause further warming and induce many changes in the global climate system during the 21st century that would very likely be larger than those  observed during the 20th century.

Therefore is necessary to implement additional mitigation practices through key mitigation technologies to reduce emissions:

Energy supply: Efficiency; fuel switching; renewable (hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal and bio-energy); combined heat and power; nuclear power; early applications of CO2 capture and storage.

Transport:  More fuel efficient vehicles; hybrid vehicles; bio-fuels; modal shifts from road transport to rail and public transport systems; cycling, walking; land-use planning.

Buildings: Efficient lighting; efficient appliances and air-condition; improved insulation; solar heating and cooling; alternatives for fluorinated gases in insulation and appliances.

In addition to available technology practices, certain policies are keys to reduce emission: Appropriate incentives for development of technologies; Changes in lifestyle and behaviour patterns, especially in building, transport and industrial sectors. Effective carbon price signal to create incentives to invest in low-GHG products, technologies and processes. Appropriate energy infrastructure investment decisions, which have long term effects on emissions.