One of the most effective ways of dealing with human-induced climate change is to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. This treats the direct cause of the problem, rather than the symptoms. There are various options available for this. They include:
Discussed in other sections are mitigation options that either aim to increase the rate of removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere by optimal management of natural sinks and utilising other potential storage reservoirs for carbon sequestration (including carbon capture and storage), or to manipulate the earth's natural radiation balance or carbon cycle through large scale geoengineering projects. These options, together with adaptation measures, although they may be worthwhile, do not treat the primary cause of climate change (which is the emission of greenhouse gases above natural levels).
Ultimately, a sustainable solution will require transformation of the energy industry from its current fossil fuel dependence to renewable resources. In working towards this goal, however, options such as increasing the share of natural gas in the energy supply, the use of clean coal technologies, and carbon capture and storage will all ease the transition while potentially achieving substantial emissions reductions and thereby helping to reduce the risks of dangerous climate change.