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Mitigation strategy for climate change

Climate change mitigation is a critical approach to addressing climate change. This topic offers an overview of international frameworks related to mid- and long-term greenhouse gas targets, such as the Paris Agreement, and explores the current status, challenges, and strategies for mitigation across both technological and socio-economic dimensions. Given that greenhouse gas emission pathways vary by sector—such as industry, transport, and residential—and by country, including both developed and developing nations, this analysis highlights their specific characteristics and the challenges associated with achieving decarbonization.

Furthermore, the Carbon Recycling Energy Research Center (CRERC) at Ibaraki University has established Japan’s only comprehensive research system that consistently manages three cyclic systems: 'capturing' CO2 from the atmosphere, 'synthesizing' it into fuel, and 'utilizing' the energy.

This discussion also presents the latest insights into carbon recycling technologies and other innovations, examining a comprehensive mitigation strategy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and meeting mitigation targets.

Content/学習内容

  • Mitigation strategy to climate change

    • mitigation
    • UNFCCC

    Outline the current state of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which contribute to climate change, and the measures for their mitigation.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Overview of GHG emission and mitigation 1

      Present the current state of greenhouse gases and climate change.

    • Overview of GHG emission and mitigation 2

      Outline the structure of the carbon cycle, including CO2 concentrations and emissions.

    • Overview of GHG emission and mitigation 3

      Outline the structure of the carbon cycle, including CO2 concentrations and emissions.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Makoto TAMURA

      Professor, Global and Local Environment Co-creation Institute, Ibaraki University

  • Factors for GHG emissions

    • Paris agreement
    • economy and environment
    • Index decomposition analysis
    • renewable energy

    Explore the factors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and discuss methods for their reduction.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Relationship between CO2 emissions and economy

      Extract the factors and challenges of greenhouse gas emissions based on historical analyses of greenhouse gases and economic activities.

    • Energy efficiency and society

      Discuss the relationship between energy and society while presenting energy statistics.

    • Environmental policy

      Discuss environmental policies and renewable energy promotion strategies aimed at achieving decarbonization.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Makoto TAMURA

      Professor, Global and Local Environment Co-creation Institute, Ibaraki University

  • Develop Zero Carbon Society in ASEAN:

    • Decarbonization

    In order to understand efforts toward building a zero-carbon society in the rapidly developing ASEAN region, a lecture was given based on on-the-ground developments, covering:
    1) Current Status of GHG Emissions in ASEAN, 2) Efforts Towards Decarbonization: Opportunities and Challenges in ASEAN, 3) Next Steps and Challenges.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Current Status of GHG Emissions in ASEAN

      After explaining the overall situation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the ASEAN region, an analysis of the factors influencing GHG emission increases and decreases in each country was presented using the Kaya identity. Based on these findings, the challenges observed and future prospects were discussed.

    • Efforts Towards Decarbonization: Opportunities and Challenges in ASEAN

      Based on the ASEAN State of Climate Change Report published by the ASEAN Secretariat, the opportunities and challenges across the ASEAN region and in individual countries were introduced. First, the ‘AIIM’ approach—Acquaint, Integrate, Involve, and Motivate—proposed for achieving a zero-carbon ASEAN region by 2050 was presented. Then, key policies emphasized in each country, policies under consideration for achieving the 2030 and 2050 targets, as well as current gaps, best practices, and capacity development opportunities were discussed.

    • Next Steps and Challenges

      The lecturer provided concrete examples of progress in climate change mitigation efforts in Malaysian municipalities, specifically in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, and the Iskandar Development Region, which is centered around Johor Bahru and adjacent to Singapore—both areas where the lecturer has been directly involved. Future prospects for these initiatives were also discussed.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Junichi Fujino

      Programme Director, Integrated Sustainability Centre, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)

    • Makoto TAMURA

      Professor, Global and Local Environment Co-creation Institute, Ibaraki University

  • Mitigation pathway from short to long-term

    • CO2 emission pathway
    • CO2 emission reduction strategy

    An overview of the current CO2 emission trends and their reduction methods.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • CO2 emission long-term easing

      Explain the trends in CO2 emissions and medium- to long-term reduction measures.

    • CO2 emission reduction strategy 1

      Provide an overview of reduction measures for each sector, which is a primary source of CO2 emissions.

    • CO2 emission reduction strategy 2

      Following the previous section, provide an overview of reduction measures for each sector, which is a major source of CO2 emissions.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Kotaro TANAKA

      Professor, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Domain of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Ibaraki University

  • Energy Systems

    • Fossil fuels

    Explain the overall energy system, particularly the greenhouse gas emission pathways of fossil resources and related mitigation measures.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Fossil fuel

      Introduce fossil fuels and explain global consumption.

    • Fossil fuels used in transportation vehicles

      Using transportation equipment as an example of a sector that consumes fossil fuels, explain the consumption of fossil fuels and its alternatives.

    • Electricity

      The transition from heat energy derived from fossil fuels to the use of electrical energy is underway. Explain how this contributes to CO2 reduction.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Kotaro TANAKA

      Professor, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Domain of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Ibaraki University

  • Energy Systems: Renewable Energy

    • Solar Energy
    • Wind Energy
    • Hydropower

    Explains the types of renewable energy and their changing share in the electricity sector.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Solar Energy

      Renewable energy, sourced from nature, reduces emissions and is expanding globally. Solar and wind power drive growth, with renewables surpassing coal by 2025. This part explains solar energy changing share in the electricity sector.

    • Wind Energy

      Wind energy harnesses air movement to generate electricity, with onshore and offshore turbines improving efficiency. This part explains its changing share in the electricity sector.

    • Hydropower

      Hydropower is the largest renewable electricity source, using water flow to generate energy. This part explains the types of hydropower, and its changing share in the electricity sector.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Yanrong LI

      Associate Professor, Institute for Applied Science and Engineering, Ibaraki University

  • Mitigation in the industry sector

    • Hydrogen
    • Ammonia

    Explain the energy structure of the industrial sector, greenhouse gas emission pathways, and their mitigation measures.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • CO2 emission from industry sector

      Explain the CO2 emission pathways from the industrial sector and provide an overview of their reduction methods.

    • Utilization of hydrogen and ammonia in the industry section

      Hydrogen and ammonia utilization are being considered as CO2 reduction measures for the industrial sector. Explain these new energy sources.

    • Decarbonization of industry sector

      Explain decarbonization methods other than the utilization of hydrogen and ammonia mentioned in the previous section.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Kotaro TANAKA

      Professor, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Domain of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Ibaraki University

  • Mitigation in the transportation sector

    • Hybrid electric vehicle
    • Electric vehicle

    Explain the energy structure of the transportation sector, greenhouse gas emission pathways, and their mitigation measures.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • CO2 emission from internal combustion engine (automobiles)

      Explain the CO2 emissions from vehicles with internal combustion engines and electric vehicles.

    • ICEV, EV, FCEV

      Explain the future cars that will contribute to CO2 emissions.

    • Decarbonization of transportation

      Explain the fuel revolution being implemented for CO2 emission reduction, as well as the emission trends and reduction measures for greenhouse gases other than CO2.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Kotaro TANAKA

      Professor, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Domain of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Ibaraki University

  • Mitigation measures for residential and commercial sectors

    • ZEB
    • ZEH

    Explain the energy structure of the residential and commercial sectors, greenhouse gas emission pathways and mitigation measures

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Structure of energy and GHG emissions in the residential and commercial sectors

      Explain the relationship between the energy structure and greenhouse gas emission pathways in the household and business sectors

    • ZEB, ZEH

      Explain Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB) and Zero Energy Houses (ZEH) as important mitigation measures in the residential and commercial sectors

    • Decarbonization of residential and commercial sectors

      Explain the mitigation measures needed to decarbonize the residential and business sectors.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Yukiko YOSHIDA

      Assistant Professor, Domain of Urban and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, Ibaraki University

  • Urban system mitigation measures

    • QOL

    Discusses energy and GHG structures and mitigation measures in urban and regional systems as a whole

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Urban structure and GHGs

      Explain the relationship between energy and GHG structures in urban and regional systems as a whole.

    • Quality of life and mitigation measures

      Discusses the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and mitigation measures in cities and regions.

    • Compact city

      Explain the concept of compact cities as an important mitigation measure in the overall urban and regional system.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Yukiko YOSHIDA

      Assistant Professor, Domain of Urban and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, Ibaraki University

  • Fundamentals of Mitigation in Agriculture, Forestry and Land use

    • Nitrogen cycle
    • Soil microorganisms
    • Decomposition of soil organic matter
    • Microbial nitrogen metabolism

    This lecture will provide an overview of the current state of greenhouse gas emissions associated with agriculture, forestry, and land use, followed by an explanation of mitigation measures for greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. Chapters 1 and 2 cover the basics of the carbon and nitrogen cycles in the global environment. Chapter 3 describes practical mitigation strategies.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Carbon cycle in the terrestrial environment

      This chapter will cover the following topics: 1) Biogeochemical significance of the coupling between photosynthesis and aerobic respiration, 2) Relationships among C, H, O, N, and S cycles, 3) Relationship between past and present carbon cycle, and 4) Factors influencing the rate of decomposition of soil organic C.

    • Nitrogen cycle in the terrestrial environment

      This chapter will cover the following topics: 1) Overview of nitrogen flows between nitrogen reservoirs on the Earth’s surface, 2) Nitrogen flows in agricultural soils, 3) Effect of soil water content on nitrification, and denitrification, and 4) Microbial nitrogen metabolism and N2O production.

    • The impact of agricultural practices on the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from soil

      This chapter describes the mechanisms of greenhouse gas emissions from environmental ecosystems, especially agro-ecosystems.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Hiroyuki Ohta

      President, Ibaraki University

    • Tomoyasu Nisizawa

      Professor, Ibaraki University

  • Issues for introducing Mitigation

    • Mind Map

    Importance of Mitigations: our problem in our daily life and in the Society. The introduction of the concept of “issues” in recognizing a situation, as well as in building strategies and planning for what comes next, is both highly useful and indispensable.  Mind Map is also important tool. Without these approaches, people are often inclined to focus only on what they wish to see while disregarding negative or inconvenient information. Such a tendency can lead individuals, governments, and private companies alike toward strategic failures, as critical factors are overlooked or misunderstood.

    In the middle part of this course (2/3), we contrasted the differences between “normal times” and “abnormal/emergency situations” in terms of issues and introduced specific case studies using Mind Maps.

    In the final part (3/3), we explored the etymology of the word “issue,” which originates from the Latin prefix ex and the unknown variable X, making it a fundamental concept. We explained how this term entered English through two different routes, resulting in exit and issue. Furthermore, we visualized the differences in how mitigation issues are perceived in the industrial sector by examining key issues in the automotive and petroleum industries, both of which are representative of the energy sector. In addition, we introduced and discussed three fundamental questions related to energy issues.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Issues for introducing Mitigation 1

      The concept of “issues” will be explained, which is very useful and indispensable in recognizing a situation and planning the next strategy or plan.

    • Issues for Introducing Mitigation 2

      The difference between “normal times” and “abnormal/emergency” issues will be contrasted, and specific examples will be presented regarding the Mind Map.

    • Issues for Introducing Mitigation 3

      The differences in the way issues of mitigation measures are seen in industry will be visualized and explained with issues in the automotive and petroleum industries, which are representative energy industries, and three fundamental questions/concerns in energy issues will be discussed and explained.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Keiichi Koseki

      Professor, Carbon Recycling Energy Research Center, Ibaraki University

  • Greening Japan’s Economy

    • S plus three E, S+3E
    • Green Innovation Fund

    Discussing the Role of the Green Economy through Mitigation Policies
    In the first part (1/3) of Building the Foundation for a Sustainable Society, we cover the following topics. We begin by examining pollution issues as the background behind the upgrade of the Environmental Agency to the Ministry of the Environment, recognizing climate change as a key issue. In particular, we analyze the relationship between the environment and business, environment and information, and environment and finance, as structured from the perspectives of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, academia, and industry.

    In the middle part (2/3), under the theme of S+3E Concept for Mitigation, we explore how Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has long incorporated environmental considerations into its economic policies based on the S+3E framework. We then discuss how, in the present era, these concepts are increasingly viewed from a comprehensive perspective, emphasizing their societal implementation as mitigation measures. Additionally, we introduce the Green Innovation Governance System and provide an overview of the Green Innovation Fund.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Greening Japan’s Economy 1 -Building the Foundadtion for Sustainable Society

      From the pollution issue as the background of the upgrading from the Environment Agency to the Ministry of the Environment, we will grasp the climate change issue as an issue and explain the environment and business, environment and information, and environment and finance, especially as organized by the Ministry of the Environment-affiliated government agencies, academia, and industry in Japan.

    • Greening Japan’s Economy 2 -S+3E concept for Mitigation

      The S+3E concept for Mitigation explains the trend of incorporating the environment into economic policy through S+3E, which the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)-affiliated government has been working on for many years.

    • Greening Japan’s Economy 3 -S+3E and Green Innovation Fund

      Provides an overview of the Green Innovation Governance System and the Green Innovation Fund.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Keiichi Koseki

      Professor, Carbon Recycling Energy Research Center, Ibaraki University

  • GIA and Peoples’ Issues regarding Carbon Recycling

    • Carbon Recycling
    • Negative Emission Technologies, NETS

    Planning and Implementing Mitigation Measures as Socially Accepted Projects
    While it is important to design and implement mitigation measures as projects that can be accepted by society, it has become evident that this is a highly challenging task. The issue is not simply about creating a business or work model that allows industry, government, and academia to generate profit in a sustainable cycle. Increasingly, attention is being drawn to the importance of considering the perspectives of local communities.

    From the four perspectives of industry, government, academia, and the public, this section begins by focusing on Direct Air Capture (DAC) and Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage (DACCS) as case studies. We will discuss the science and technology of CO₂ storage as a mitigation measure related to carbon circulation.

    In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and its affiliated organization, NEDO, have been planning and examining technological development programs in this field. In the middle part (2/3), we will discuss mitigation measures related to fuels. Specifically, we will introduce approaches to fuel synthesis, including those being conducted at the Carbon Recycling Energy Research Center at Ibaraki University. In the final part (3/3), we will discuss Negative Emissions Technology as a recent concept promoted by the METI.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage

      Focusing on DAC or DACCS as a technology as an illustration, the science and technology of CO2 sequestration as an issue mitigation measure related to the carbon cycle will be discussed.

    • The Role of Fuel Synthesis

      Mitigation measures for fuels will be discussed. Fuel synthesis related approaches that are also being conducted at Ibaraki University’s Carbon Recycling Energy Research Center will also be presented.

    • Negative Emission Technologies(NETs)and the Technical Perspective

      Discusses Negative Emissions Technology as a recent METI-based concept.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Keiichi Koseki

      Professor, Carbon Recycling Energy Research Center, Ibaraki University

  • Efforts for Realization of CN, Resilient and Sustainable Society

    • Green Growth Strategy
    • Negative Emission Technologies, NETs
    • Green Innovation Fund

    Overview of Mitigation Policies for Achieving Carbon Neutrality
    This course provides a comprehensive overview of mitigation policies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.

    In the first part (1/3), we will explain the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI)’s Green Growth Strategy Towards 2050 Carbon Neutrality. Specifically, we will discuss the 14 key focus areas related to energy sectors, mobility and energy (transportation), manufacturing, household and office industries, and other service sectors. Additionally, we will examine the program scheme and its implementation schedule.

    In the middle part (2/3), we will emphasize the importance of the framework that aims to achieve carbon neutrality through collaboration among government, industry, and academia (GIA), along with public engagement (P).

    In the final part (3/3), we will review Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs), initiatives under the Green Innovation Fund, and various approaches toward achieving carbon neutrality. We will highlight the necessity of addressing issues within a sustainable society through GIA and public engagement. Lastly, we will conclude by discussing the significance of preparing for vulnerabilities, the concept of resilience in both broad and narrow senses, and its relevance to future phases.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Challenges through Green Innovation Fund

      Summarizes mitigation policies to achieve carbon neutrality. The METI-affiliated “Green Growth Strategy Accompanying Carbon Neutrality in 2050” will be described.

    • Corporation for the Carbon Recycling and the Sustainable Future

      Confirm the importance of the concept and framework for the realization of GIA in the context of industry, government, and academia, i.e., GIA and people (P).

    • Dynamism of Mitigation Strategy and the Energy Revolution

      The importance of the NETs technology, Green Innovation Fund initiatives, and creative approaches to CN to respond to the GIA and people’s issues in a sustainable society, and the importance of the concept of resilience in a narrow sense with lectures and preparedness for vulnerability in the future phases of the project.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Keiichi Koseki

      Professor, Carbon Recycling Energy Research Center, Ibaraki University

Staff/スタッフ

    Makoto TAMURA
    Ibaraki University Global and Local Environment Co-creation Institute
    Professor
    Career

    2024 – Present Professor/Vice director, Global and Local Environment Co-creation Institute(GLEC), Ibaraki University
    2022 – Present Vice director, Ibaraki Local Climate Change Adaptation Center(iLCCAC)
    2022 – 2024 Professor, Global and Local Environment Co-creation Institute(GLEC), Ibaraki University
    2018 – Present Visiting lecturer, Master’s Program in Climate Change and Development, Vietnam Japan University

    Junichi Fujino
    Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) Integrated Sustainability Centre
    Programme Director
    Career

    2019 – Present Programme Director, Integrated Sustainability Centre, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
    2022 The deputy chair of the Ministry of the Environment’s Decarbonization Leading Areas evaluation committee
    2010 Committee member, the Future City Initiative.
    2000 – 2019 Resercher, National Institute for Environmental Studies(NIES)

    Kotaro TANAKA
    Ibaraki University Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Domain of Mechanical Systems Engineering
    Professor
    Career

    2023 – Present Director, Carbon recycling energy research center, Ibaraki University
    2018 – Present Professor, Ibaraki University
    2014 – 2018 Associate professor, Ibaraki University
    2012 – 2014 Lecturer, Ibaraki University
    2010 – 2011 Environmental science center, Department of Environmental Systems, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo
    2009 CNRS, Nancy University, France
    2007 – 2009 Environmental safety and traffic laboratory

    Yanrong LI
    Ibaraki University Institute for Applied Science and Engineering
    Associate Professor
    Career

    2020 – Present Associate Professor, Field of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Institute for Applied Science and Engineering, Ibaraki University

    Yukiko YOSHIDA
    Ibaraki University Domain of Urban and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
    Assistant Professor
    Career

    2021 – Present Assistant Professor, Domain of Urban and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, and CRERC member, Ibaraki University. 2022 – Present Collaborative Researcher, Social Systems Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies

    Hiroyuki Ohta
    Ibaraki University
    President
    Career

    2020-Present President, Ibaraki University
    2016 – 2020 Director/Vice President, Ibaraki University,.
    2014 – 2016 Vice President, Ibaraki University
    2002- 2014 Professor, College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University

    Tomoyasu Nisizawa
    Ibaraki University
    Professor
    Career

    2024-Present Vice Dean, College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University
    2023-Present Professor, College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University
    2023-Present Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
    2014-2022 Associate Professor, College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University

    Keiichi Koseki
    Ibaraki University Carbon Recycling Energy Research Center
    Professor
    Career

    2024 – Present Professor, Carbon Recycling Energy Research Center, Ibaraki University
    2019 – Present Part-time Lecturer, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
    2016 – 2019 Part-time Lecturer, School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology
    2017 Fellow, JXTG Energy K.K.
    2012 – 2017 General Manager of Strategic Planning & Chief Researcher, Tonen General Sekiyu K.K.
    2003 Chief Researcher, Tonen General Sekiyu K.K.

Competency/コンピテンシー

Course Objectives

Acquire knowledge related to climate change mitigation
Develop analytical skills to assess challenges related to climate change mitigation and achieving carbon neutrality
Foster motivation and attitudes conducive to promoting climate change mitigation

Learning Outcomes

Assessment will be conducted through quizzes and reports, evaluated based on a rubric (refer to free writing section).
Knowledge of climate change mitigation
Analytical skills to evaluate challenges related to climate change mitigation and achieving decarbonization
Motivation and attitudes geared toward promoting climate change mitigation

Information/その他の情報

References

IPCC (2022) Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change, Contribution of Working Group III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC.

Green Growth Strategy Through Achieving Carbon Neutrality in 2050, METI
https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/energy_environment/global_warming/ggs2050/index.html
IPCC (2022) Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change, Contribution of Working Group III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC.
Ito,T., M.Tamura, A.Kotera, Y.Ishikawa-Ishiwata (eds.) (2022)Interlocal Adaptations to Climate Change in East and Southeast Asia: Sharing Lessons of Agriculture, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Resource Management, Springer.
https://www.meti.go.jp/shingikai/energy_environment/green_innovation/pdf/006_03_01.pdf

Contact/お問合せ先

tenkai@m.ibaraki.ac.jp

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