Which of the following best describes mitigation in the context of climate change?

Mitigation in the context of climate change specifically refers to efforts aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases, which are responsible for global warming and climate change. The primary goal of mitigation is to alter the trajectory of climate change by addressing its root causes, primarily through the reduction of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that enter the atmosphere.

By focusing on reducing emissions, mitigation strategies can take many forms, including enhancing energy efficiency, transitioning to low-carbon energy sources, and developing technologies that can capture and store carbon emissions. This proactive approach is crucial for limiting the extent of climate change and avoiding the most severe impacts associated with it.

While some of the other options relate to important aspects of environmental management and sustainability, they are not specifically centered on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, adjusting to climate impacts is more about adaptation, which deals with the consequences of climate change rather than prevention. Restoring damaged ecosystems and promoting renewable energy use are also valuable strategies, but they serve broader sustainability goals and may contribute to mitigation indirectly. However, the core definition and focus of mitigation itself is reducing greenhouse gas emissions.