COP27 Making a Case for a Net Zero-Carbon Emissions Future by Implementing Technological Solutions and Mindset Transformation
Ammar Ewis *
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland-A1B 3X5, Canada.
Rasha El-Shafie
Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, University of Prince Edwards, Island, PEI, Canada.
Mahmoud Sakr
Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, Cairo, Egypt.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Carbon emissions pose a massive risk to our planet's health. According to the Paris Climate Agreement, nations pledged to limit global warming to 1.5°C to mitigate climate change's impacts. This target will not be achieved without immediate and deep emissions reductions across all sectors. Unfortunately, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the new natural gas discoveries in some countries have also slowed down the pace of decarbonization. Aside from that, a faint light at the end of the tunnel could be seen from the new Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, which pointed to increasing actions on climate change. Fortunately, achieving future zero carbon emission is still possible via the implementation of holistic frameworks that promote existing and emerging green technologies and helps the community to transform. This policy paper proposes a framework that integrates technology use and mobilizes the transformation of communities' mindsets to cope and adapt to climate change. The proposed framework will then be implemented in the country hosting the 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 27), Egypt, and it is recommended to be used by scholars and policymakers for future assessment of the country's climate change performance. Finally, the paper provides a set of recommendations to governments, policymakers, and communities to accelerate the movements toward a net zero-carbon future.
Keywords: Net zero emissions, mindset transformation, energy policy, innovative solutions
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References
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