Summary of Presentation by Assistant professor Benjamin K. Sovacool --- Institutional and Individual Response to Climate Change Issues

We first look at the big picture of climate change conundrum. CO2 is the main green gas which causes climate change (global warming) and most green gas results from anthropic need of energy. Meanwhile, global warming is an Asian countries dominated problem. Although we have many protocols on climate change, few countries have successfully reduced their CO2 emission. There is a trend that the amount of carbon dioxide per capita in developed countries is relatively higher than that in developing countries. Thus both institutional actions and individual actions are called upon for fighting against climate change. Institutions can contribute in many sides: energy supply, transport, buildings, industry, agriculture and forestry, and waste management for instance; while individuals can make a difference by considering more sustainable factors on surrounding things. We may use renewable electricity or combined heat and power to promote energy efficiency. Technology in clear energy field needs our support and also needs novel characters to draw people’s attention. We can also help mitigate climate change by changing our food habits. Besides, a lot of energy is wasted for home use. Finally, in spite of the width and the depth of the world’s energy, food and climate changes, individuals’ behaviors are the essence. Institutions can regulate but we still have much to do and what we do matter!