Thammasat University students are cordially invited to participate in a free webinar on Thursday, 17 June 2021 at 6pm Bangkok time on the subject of Moving Southeast Asia to clean energy.
The Thammasat University Library collection includes several books on aspects of clean energy.
The event will be presented by the University of Melbourne, Australia.
For further information or with any questions, please write to this email:
simon.elchlepp@unimelb.edu.au
As the University of Melbourne website indicates,
Global warming will reshape our entire planet in the 21st century and beyond. However, its effects will be felt particularly in the tropics, where the combination of rising temperatures and elevated humidity levels might make living near the equator impossible, should emissions continue to rise. In such circumstances, transitioning to clean sources of energy is imperative. But how can the region make this transition – and what impact will it have on the urban and rural spaces we live in?
The University of Melbourne is excited to bring together some of its prominent South-East Asian alumni and academics on a multi-national panel to discuss this question, hosted by Professor Michael Braer, Director of the Melbourne Energy Institute.
The panel conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A and we invite attendees to submit their questions in advance of the event via RSVP.
As its annual report explains, the Melbourne Energy Institute (MEI)
delivers interdisciplinary research on the transition to a clean energy system. We work with the community, industry and government on some of the world’s most pressing energy challenges. MEI has over 300 specialists across Architecture, Economics, Engineering, Health, Law, Planning, Science and Social Science. MEI researchers work together in four programs:
- Energy Systems
- Hydrogen and Clean Fuels
- Power Generation and Transport
- Environment and Resources
Among the presenters at the webinar will be Ms. Alissa Raj, a City Adviser at C40 Cities who is responsible for facilitating and developing a Paris Agreement-compatible Climate Action Plan for the city of Kuala Lumpur, as well as ensuring that the capacity of the local council counterparts is bolstered.
Its website notes that
C40 is a network of the world’s megacities committed to addressing climate change. C40 supports cities to collaborate effectively, share knowledge and drive meaningful, measurable and sustainable action on climate change.
About
Around the world, C40 Cities connects 97 of the world’s greatest cities to take bold climate action, leading the way towards a healthier and more sustainable future. Representing 700+ million citizens and one quarter of the global economy, mayors of the C40 cities are committed to delivering on the most ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement at the local level, as well as to cleaning the air we breathe.
Among recent studies by C40 is a case study from last year about Tackling Air Pollution in Bangkok:
The Successful Solution to the Air Pollution Problem in Bangkok
Air quality in Bangkok has gradually improved and for the most part, the number of air pollutants meet the Thailand ambient air quality standard. This success can be attributed to the combined effort of all sectors and stakeholders. Various government, private, academic and public sectors cooperated to continually mitigate air pollution. In particular, they worked to solve problems at the source by raising the standard of pollution emissions from automobiles and the quality of fuel. However, at present, some areas in Bangkok are confronted with PM2.5 air pollution, with 60% of pollutants coming from diesel-engine automobiles, 35% from open burning, and 5% due to other causes. These sources of emissions present the main challenge that needs to be addressed. Additionally, the meteorological condition of still air and calm wind has trapped dust particles in the air. The situation may get more severe if there is a lack of efficient solution planning for the future. It is also necessary for stakeholders to cooperate in solving the problems. Therefore, the government has announced that the challenge of the PM2.5 air pollution phenomenon is on the national agenda and all stakeholders must proceed with effective action to improve air quality for Thai citizens and visitors.
Another C40 case study from last year was The Green Bangkok 2030 Project:
The Environment Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) sees the opportunity to increase urban green spaces by developing the unused spaces scattered throughout Bangkok that belong to both government and private agencies. These spaces include vacant public spaces, areas under the expressways, space between buildings, footpaths, land alongside the canals, etc.
The Green Bangkok 2030 Project was launched by the BMA to carry out a collaboration between public, private and civil sectors equipped with the capability and public mind to expand green spaces in Bangkok…
The main objective of the Green Bangkok 2030 Project is to increase sustainable, quality green spaces.
Also speaking on 17 June will be Mr. Arif Utomo, Program Manager, Indonesia – New Energy Nexus, who develops and executes programs to support clean energy entrepreneurs with funds, accelerators and networks.
According to its website,
New Energy Nexus is an international non-profit that supports clean energy entrepreneurs with funds, accelerators, and networks. We started in California and also operate programs in China, India, Southeast Asia, and East Africa.
OUR STORY
VISION
New Energy Nexus strives towards an abundant world with a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population in the shortest time possible. To make this lasting change our work must uplift communities around the globe who have been and continue to be left behind by the failed paradigm of a fossil-fuel economy. To do this we fund, connect and grow diverse new energy entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide. We know that focusing on justice and sustainability, while bringing clean energy access for all, will yield greater social and economic dividends. The future of clean energy is 100% for the 100%.
Another speaker will be Mr. Steve Peters, Senior Energy Specialist (Waste-to-Energy) in the Energy Sector Group of the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, Asian Development Bank.
Mr. Peters is responsible for developing the knowledge base, project development and implementation in waste to energy and supporting projects across waste, the circular economy and ocean impacts.
Among his recent research is a coauthored article posted online last year about how Proper disposal of medical waste can help us cope with pandemics.
Finally, Dr. Reihana Mohideen, Senior Research Fellow at The University of Melbourne, will speak. Dr. Mohideen analyses advanced technology trends in the low-carbon energy transition taking place in developing countries with specific applications to South Asia, as well as the opportunities to simultaneously leapfrog technology and social equity gaps.
Dr. Mohideen is an electrical engineer with a strong interest in developing integrated socio-technical approaches to building resilience using low-carbon pathways, based on energy, power infrastructure and health linkages, integrating gender equality and social inclusion (GESI).
Her book Women and the Energy Revolution (2020) is available to TU students through the TU Library Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service.
(All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)