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MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development

global challenges, engineering solutions
 

Evaluating the quality of nature-based solutions in Japan to enable sustainable development of its carbon credit market

Carbon credits derived from nature-based projects are gaining traction among organisations committed to achieving their net-zero targets. However, these projects have been criticised for inappropriate carbon accounting. In this study, we scrutinise the legitimacy of carbon accounting within the Japanese carbon credit system (J-Credit). J-Credit certifies carbon removal initiatives that incorporate silvicultural practices, such as thinning, harvesting, and reforestation. Our research investigated diverse scenarios to articulate the conditions under which additional CO₂ sequestration could be achievable. Our findings suggest that the reforestation rate is an important factor for realising additional CO₂ sequestration through harvesting and reforestation. While the J-Credit methodology creates incentives to enhance the reforestation rate by advance issuance of carbon credits, our study underscores implementation challenges. This includes the significant disparity between the net-zero commitments of organisations and the actual impact on the environment. By 2050, the projected amount of carbon credit available in 2050 will exceed the actual CO₂ removal in that year by a factor of 33. Upon examination of various carbon credit methodologies worldwide, we recommend the J-Credit system to explore future contracts or similar mechanisms to rectify this distortion. Further, we assert the necessity of reassessing carbon sequestration accounting and management practices to effectively pursue climate goals.

Subject: 

Course Overview

Context

The need to engage in better problem definition through careful dialogue with all stakeholder groups and a proper recognition of context.

Perspectives

An ability to work with specialists from other disciplines and professional groups acknowledging that technical innovation and business skills also must be understood, nurtured and combined as precursors to the successful implementation of sustainable solutions.

Change

An understanding of mechanisms for managing change in organisations so future engineers are equipped to play a leadership role.

Tools

An awareness of a range of assessment frameworks, sustainability metrics and methodologies such as Life Cycle Analysis, Systems Dynamics, Multi-Criteria Decision making and Impact Assessment.