Climate change mitigation It has become one of the greatest challenges of our time, forcing governments, organizations, scientists, and society as a whole to take urgent and coordinated action. Far from being an isolated effort, the fight to curb global warming requires a comprehensive approach in which every action, from forest management to emerging carbon capture technologies, counts for the future of our planet.
The latest reports and international meetings reinforce the idea that It is not enough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To meet the commitments of the Paris Agreement and other multilateral agreements, it is essential to eliminate some of the CO2 already present in the atmosphere. Both the natural solutions as technological They are considered essential, although each one brings its own advantages and challenges.
The role of natural solutions in CO2 absorption
On forests, mangroves and peatlands They act as carbon sinks, capturing CO2 and helping to mitigate climate change. These areas, when managed properly, provide immediate benefits such as improved air quality and the protection of biodiversity. Many countries implement reforestation and ecosystem restoration strategies to enhance these natural processes. However, various studies warn about the vulnerability of natural sinks. Phenomena such as forest fires, droughts and pests They can release stored carbon again, which degrades the effectiveness of these measures if there is no proper management and up-to-date monitoring using satellite data.
The conservation of strategic ecosystems also covers the mangroves, key to biodiversity and coastal protection from extreme events. Although they are essential for carbon capture and food security, they receive a very small share of global climate finance, so increasing resources and political commitment to their preservation is crucial.
Technological solutions and their role in decarbonization
Carbon removal technologies, such as direct air capture or geological storage, offer the potential to store CO2 for very long periods. These alternatives are generally considered more stable than natural approaches, although their deployment faces significant challenges. They require high investments, large-scale renewable energy and a scientific and technical development that is still in process.
The scientific community highlights that no technology alone can address the global challenge: mitigation systems must be designed that combine technologies and nature-based solutions. By 2050, it is estimated that it will be essential to eliminate between 7,5 and 7,8 gigatons of CO2 annually, a goal that can only be achieved through the coordinated application of different methods.
Management and policies: challenges and progress at the regional level
Various regions have begun to implement specific and collaborative plans to address the effects of climate change. In Latin America, for example, meetings are held to strengthen coordination between provinces, ministries, and international organizations, highlighting the importance of provincial action and adaptation plansWork is also underway to improve infrastructure and reduce the carbon footprint in sectors such as healthcare.
In Bolivia, authorities and experts are making progress in mechanisms of climate finance and in the implementation of strategies to prevent forest fires, restore affected areas, and ensure the participation of various stakeholders, from local governments to indigenous communities. Collaboration with the European Union and other international entities strengthens the technical and financial support for implementing these policies.
From the European Union, the preparation of the next international summits, such as COP30, underlines the importance of update national commitments and aligning decarbonization goals with the social and economic reality of each country. Particular attention is required for vulnerable sectors, such as agriculture and livestock, which require specific support to adapt to a just ecological transition.
The future of mitigation: balance, diversification, and joint action
Experience shows that limiting one strategy to a single approach is not enough to curb climate change. Experts insist that Emission reduction must be complemented by the active removal of atmospheric CO2Furthermore, they emphasize that both natural and technological solutions are complementary and must be integrated, always with rigorous monitoring systems to prevent counterproductive effects, such as when massive forestation does not consider the risks of fires or droughts.
Cooperation between governments, the use of new technologies, and the integration of nature-based solutions are essential. It is crucial to strengthen global monitoring and transparency platforms, increase climate finance, and promote the participation of all social sectors to achieve effective and lasting climate change mitigation.
To successfully address these challenges, a collective and strategic approach is essential. Only then will it be possible to build a more secure and resilient future for future generations.
