Climate change, rising greenhouse gas emissions, and global warming are all having an impact. Without immediate action, irreversible consequences, such as economic loss or impacts on lives and property, could occur as a result of climate change.
The primary goals and purposes of the 24th session of the Convention of the Parties (COP24) agreement on climate change (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: UNFCC) are to control greenhouse gas emissions, which are the major contributor to global warming and climate change, and to keep global temperatures from rising above 2 degrees Celsius, which would be irreversible and harmful to humanity, by 2050.
Mahidol University realizes the importance and urgency of climate change that affects the environment and human beings. This Net Zero Emission Policy is set to be a part of the climate change effects reduction, and to drive the sustainable development goal SDG 13: Climate Action – Urgent operation to handle climate change and its effects by gathering resources to support developing countries in climate change adaptation and low-carbon development. This should be implemented in conjunction with the integration of disaster risk reduction measures on sustainable natural resource management, human security, and with the national development strategies. Moreover, keeping the global temperature from rising above 2 degrees Celsius necessitates increased political will, investment, technology, and immediate cooperation. The purposes under Goal 13 are as follows.
Strengthen immunity and adaptive ability to climate change-related dangers and disasters in all countries
Integrate national measures on climate change in terms of policy, strategy, and planning
Develop education, raise awareness, human and institute’s capacity in climate change reduction, adaptation, effect reduction, and early warning
Fulfill the obligations to developed countries which is the United Nations Conventions for Climate Change aiming to raise funds one-hundred billion US dollar per year from all sources by 2020 to resolve necessities of developing countries in the context of significant greenhouse reduction with transparent operation. The Green Climate Fund is, therefore, operating its fullest and fastest capacity through capitalization.
Promote mechanisms to increase ability in planning and management related to climate change effectively in least-developed countries, emphasizing on women, youth, local and marginalized communities
The university's targets of net zero emission by 2030
To keep the global temperature not to rise above 1.5-degree Celcius in accordance to
Mahidol Eco-University and Sustainability Policy, there are five main components, which
are:
1. Promoting participation in handling effects of climate change that derives from the
university's greenhouse gases emission activities
2. Promoting the reduction of direct greenhouse gases emissions
3. Promoting the reduction of indirect greenhouse gases emissions from energy usage
4. Promoting the reduction of other indirect greenhouse gases emissions
5. Promoting carbon capture and storage
1.1 Thailand Carbon Neutral Network (TCNN)
1.2 Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges, Second Nature
1.3
Carbon Footprint
- Prepare carbon footprint management plan for organizations
- Carbon footprint evaluation manual for hospitals
- Low-Carbon Executives project
2.1 Electric monorail system
2.2
Bio-diesel
2.3
Walking Street and Cover Way
3.1 Solar roof, sewage treatment plant, Mahidol University
3.2 Solar rooftop – in the present and future
4.1
Waste Recycling Bank Project
4.2 Compost Production Project
4.3
Mahidol No Plastic
- Mahidol Reduce & Reuse plastic
bags
-
Sugary drink and plastic cups reduction campaign
- Automatic drink dispenser
4.4
Water management
4.5
Waste water and water recycling systems
5.1
Sireeruckkhachati Nature Park
This nature conservation area is a national and international Thai herbs
study
center that covers 140 rai of land. It is a modern Thai herb and natural
science
learning center aiming to create real experiences for visitors to apply
their
knowledges to all levels for academic social services, to have
self-development,
and to increase the nation’s competitiveness from its 800 species of herbs
gathered in herbal medicine remedies. This nature park contains other
interesting corners such as Herbs - Thai Wisdom Glocalization
exhibition room
where it acknowledges visitors to learn about and apply usages of Thai
herbs,
both in daily life and scientifically. The Healthy Herb
Ground is open for
visitors to learn about herbs in daily life, where they could observe and be
ensured about their safety as the herbs shown are supported by research
studies.
Herbal Ground for Elderly People and People with
Disabilities provides teaching
tools for those with visual impairment.
Sireeruckkhachati Nature Park is established under universal design concept
to
provide environment and facilities for elderly people and people with
disabilities to equally learn and enjoy this place.
5.2
Green spaces in Salaya
5.3
Wetland and surface water management in Salaya
5.4
MU ECO Park
5.5 Gardening corner contest
5.6
Tree-planting for greenhouse gases absorption project
5.7 Ruampon Kon Wat Tonmai Project
