To avoid passing even the 2 °C mark CO2 levels need to be stabilised very soon, and this is generally regarded as unlikely to happen. Proposals for the reduction of emissions are commonly based around reducing energy use and moving towards using energy sources that produce fewer emissions.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) 
CCS plans aim to mitigate climate change by capturing carbon dioxide sources such as power plants and store the CO2 produced instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. The technology for this commercially available to large CO2 emitters, such as power plants. While this is a novel idea, it is a relatively untried concept; as yet no large-scale CO2 producer operates with a full carbon capture and storage system.

Reforestation/Reduction in Deforestation
Almost 20% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2007 were as a result of deforestation. A recent study of 70,000 trees across Africa showed that tropical forests soak up more carbon dioxide pollution than previously realised; according to the report almost one-fifth of our fossil fuel emissions are absorbed by forests across Africa, Amazonia and Asia ("Bigger Trees helping to Fight Against Climate Change", The Guardian, February 2009).

Emissions Trading
Countries that have ratified the Kyoto protocol have committed to either reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide, three other greenhouse gases (methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride) and two further groups of gases (hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons), or to engage in emissions trading if they maintain or increase emissions of these gases. The European Union Emission Trading Scheme is the largest greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme in the world. All member states of the European Union participate in the scheme and the market for carbon dioxide allowances is estimated €35 billion per year.

With the Kyoto Agreement expiring in 2012 the ultimate objective of the Copenhagen negotiations is to produce a convention that will enable the stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent the dangerous interference with the climate system that would cause harm to human beings.

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Want to read more?
"Working Group III Report "Mitigation of Climate Change, Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change, April - May 2007

"Enhanced Action on Mitigation of Climate Change", UN Economic Commission of Africa, September 2009

"The DIY Guide to Combating Global Warming" Tiempo


"Sustainable Energy - without the hot air" David JC Mackay (also available from http://www.withouthotair.com/download.html)