What are the global efforts to mitigate global warming?

Answer 1

1. Europe, Australia and other countries have a carbon price scheme encouraging polluters to improve their performance.
2. The US and other countries are using their Clean Air laws to make vehicles cleaner and less polluting.
3. Many states and countries have incentives encouraging people to install solar water heaters and PV rooftop panels.
4. Paris, London, Amsterdam and many other cities have free (or low-cost) bicycle hire encouraging people to reduce vehicle use.
5. There are small local schemes around the world dedicated to planting more and more trees, to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Answer 2

Currently there are no serious global efforts to mitigate global warming. Instead, it is full steam ahead. The industrial nations have done virtually nothing to curb their carbon emissions--the US in particular refuses to sign any accord that might negatively impact the profits of our enormous fossil fuel industry.

Proposals include switching from coal powered electrical generation facilities to clean, renewable resources like solar, wind, and nuclear (which can be relatively clean). The development of urban mass transit systems would also aid in reducing global carbon emissions. There has been some gains made in conservation efforts such as greater fuel efficiency in vehicles.

Many scientists believe 350 ppm CO2 is about the maximum sustainable level. We passed that in the 1980s, and in a few short years will exceed 400 ppm. We will pass 500 ppm before 2050, at our present rate.