38th UNU Global Seminar Student Report by Rajat

1. Introduction

Rajat is Doctoral student at the Graduate School of Environmental
Sciences at Hokkaido University, Japan. His research interest is theapplication of remote sensing technology for the sustainable
development of terrestrial ecosystems. As a Ph.D. student, I am doing
research on how to provide the most accurate forest biomass
estimation using microwave remote sensing. This would provide theforest ecosystem monitoring research community with better tools forcarbon budget mapping and its uncertainty analysis.
As most of GHG emission are due to anthropogenic factors and thisseminar was related to what lifestyle style transformation to achieve
net neutrality so I found it interesting to know more about whatlifestyle changes can be implemented to achieve net zero. UNU
seminar is a high-level platform to learn from the renowned
researchers and young students to understand the situation aroundthe globe and make a strong network with students from different
universities to implement the learnings from this seminar for further
research in this area.

2. Keynote Speech Summary
I was most interested in the keynote speech given by Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal, “Role of transforming
lifestyle for energy transition towards the net-zero-emissions world”, as this was related directly tothe theme of this seminar. Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal firstly discussed the need of energy transition
then energy transition pathways for Net Zero Emissions by 2050 lastly, he focused on the lifestylechanges are the key to energy transition.
Why there is a need of energy transition?
Prof. Dhakal pointed out the world is not on track to meet sustainable development goals (SDGs)
specially the Asia Pacific region. In Asia Pacific region none of the 17 SDGs will be achieved at thecurrent rate of change. Therefore, world is not on track to limit temperature rise by 1.5°C. Based on
the global surface temperature data period from 1850 – 2000 is the warmest in 100,000 years. Afterthe comparison of natural and human factors responsible for the temperature rise it has been foundthat human influence has warmed the climate at a rate that is unprecedented in at least the last 2000years.
Global net anthropogenic GHG emissions are increasing every year and around 64% of the emission
comes from CO2 emitted by fossil fuel and industry (CO2-FFI), around 18 % CO2 emission are from

land use change. Remaining carbon budgets is very less for limiting warming to 1.5°C and 2°C, so tocontrol the GHG emission there is a need for energy transition.
Pathways for Net Zero Emissions by 2050
By implementing the changes in both policies and changes in economic structure like energy supply
decarbonisation, energy efficiency gains, and energy demand reduction, at least 18 countries havesustained production-based GHG and consumption-based CO2 emission reductions for longer than
10 years. In most recent three years (2015-2018), 32 countries have seen absolute emission
decoupling, 41 countries have seen relative emission decoupling with economy. Absolute decouplingmeans a decline of emissions in absolute terms or as being stable while GDP grows. Relative
decoupling means growth of emissions being lower than growth of GDP.
Multiple low-carbon technologies have shown rapid progress in cost, performance, and adoption enhancing the feasibility of rapid energy transitions for example sustained decreases in the unit costsof solar energy (85%) wind energy (55%) and large increases in their deployment >10x for solar, >100xfor EVs. Small 'granular' technologies like solar pv, EV battery, wind energy are being adopted at afaster rate than large technologies.
To limiting warming to 1.5 °C the global GHG emissions peak before 2025, reduced by 43% by 2030
and Methane reduced by 34% by 2030. But Future cumulative CO2 emissions from existing andcurrently planned fossil fuel infrastructure exceeds remaining carbon budgets limiting warming to1.5°C. There should be restrictions in existing and planned fossil fuel infrastructure particularly indeveloping countries.
All sectors have the possibilities to reduce at least halve emission by 2030 (of 2019) by focusing on
both demand and supply side.
• In the energy sector solar energy and wind energy have the highest potential to reduce thenet emission by. 2030.
• Reduced conversion of forests and other ecosystems in AFOLU• In industrial sector fuel switching (electricity, nat. gas, bio-enerav. H2)
Demand-side mitigation can be achieved through changes in socio-cultural factors, infrastructure
design and use, and end-use technology adoption by 2050.
So, to achieve the net zero by 2050 avoid the fossil fuel-based development plans, expand the EV
network, increase the investment in renewable energy resources and zero carbon ready building.
lifestyle changes are the key to energy transition.
Lifestyle changes are not adequately captured in IAM and Energy System Models and scenarios andoften provide limited insights. Net zero emissions in 2050 cannot happen without the consent andactive support of people. The lifestyle changes will affect multiple aspects of people's lives - fromtransport, heating and cooking to urban planning and jobs. Lifestyle change can lead to 24% and 22%of CO2 emission reductions in 2030 and 2050 respectively. Urban design can reduce the average citydweller's carbon footprint by up to 60% by shaping lifestyle choices and influencing day-to-day
behavior.

Three key mechanism Lifestyle change•Lifestyle changes cut emissions in sectors where other options for doing so are scarce forexample aviation sector•

Behavioural changes cut emissions from existing carbon intensive assets•

Behavioural changes reduce energy demand, taking pressure off new sources of low-carbon
electricity and helping to keep biofuels production within sustainable limits

Most important lifestyle changes for net zero emission•

Reducing excessive or wasteful energy use - e.g., reducing indoor temperature settings,
adopting energy saving practices in homes, limiting driving speeds on motorways•

Transport mode switching, e.g., cycling, walking, ridesharing, or taking buses•

Materials efficiency gains e.g., higher recycling, and improved design and construction ofbuildings and vehicles, single-use plastics

3. Group Discussion SummaryOur group looked at mobility management to reduce carbon footprint. Transport, particularly
motor vehicles, contributes a significant amount of (nearly one-quarter) carbon dioxide to theatmosphere as a major source of greenhouse gases. For instance, In the US, transportation
contributes almost 27 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, ranking first (US EPA, 2022). Whatmakes things worse is that in the years ahead, energy consumption for transportation is predicted
to increase significantly.
To preserve a livable climate, the average emissions per person per year will need to drop toaround 2 to 2.5 tons of CO2e by 2030. We have proposed the initiatives like living car-free, walking
or riding a bike instead of driving, use of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, option for public
transit such as (ideally zero-emissions) buses and trains for commuting where available, and when
active modes of transport are not practical.
High cost, pricing and hard accessibility, inconvenience and unavailability, habits, culture, lack ofsupport from government and companies, knowledge deficits, the herd mentality at work can be
the obstacles that inhibit people from adopting a more sustainable lifestyle.
To remove these obstacles following measures should be implemented•

Develop policies to encourage public transportation companies and individuals topurchase and use clean energy vehicles Eg: tax exemptions, tax reductions, or subsidies.

•Incorporate education in schools, that includes how our daily action affects climatechange to what degree•

Involve citizens in the policy-making process/ connect people and government: givepeople the opportunity to share their opinions•

Improve the infrastructure and public transportation•Battery electric vehicle (BEV), fuel cell vehicle (FCV), hybrid vehicles

4. Overall Feedback
The seminar was a great opportunity for me to learn what is the current situation of climate action
and policies around the globe and how lifestyle change can play an important role in achieving thenet zero emissions. Keynote speech sessions from the experts was very informative and during world
café sessions diverse ideas from participants of different countries was unique to situation in thosecountries. Group work was important for in depth learning and improvement of presentation skills.
This seminar improved my networking with the young professional and students in different part of
the world.