Energy And Climate Change
2.14 Impactful university program(s) on climate change
1. Kasetsart University, presided over the opening ceremony of the tree planting project to support Kasetsart University’s Carbon Neutrality policy, as well as the Annual Tree Planting and Development Day for 2024, held at the Development Forest near Building 16 (Health Services)
Scope (international / regional / national / local / etc) : Local
Total Participants : 3,000 - 3,500
https://www.facebook.com/Kasetsart.Sakonnakhon/posts/pfbid0XPPt7evu5qffxvpSL7b6Ndo5r5RzMD9P2hkwgT1PQWHDvv4ZMNasjyrrwYjfmvnCl
Kasetsart University’s Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus has set a target to plant 15,000trees during the rainy season of 2024, with trees provided by the Phu Phan Royal Development Study Center. The campus holds the Tree Planting and Development Day as an annual event, organized by the Central Services Division of the Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Campus. This event allows new KU84 students to plant their class’s signature Nonsi trees, while current students, faculty, staff, and the local community participate in increasing the forested area, promoting continuous reforestation efforts.
2. The Faculty of Forestry Conducted Training on "Environmental Practices to Promote Green Office Operations at the Faculty of Forestry" for its Staff
Scope (international / regional / national / local / etc) : Local
Total Participants : 30
This training was designed to raise awareness among the Faculty of Forestry personnel about the importance of good environmental management practices. The workshop covered topics such as energy and resource efficiency, pollution and waste management, environmentally friendly procurement, and greenhouse gas emissions. The objective was to elevate the standard of green office practices within the faculty. Mr. Puangwit Sonlemet, an experienced environmental consultant from Able Consultant Co., Ltd., with over 27 years of experience, served as the lecturer for this session.
3. Faculty of Environment organizes a field study project to enhance knowledge of natural environment for second-year students.
Scope (international / regional / national / local / etc) : Local
Total Participants : 192
Faculty of Environment organizes a field study project to enhance knowledge of natural environment for 2nd year students at both Bangkhen and Kamphaeng Saen campuses during 24-25 August 2024 at Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, so that students can learn in real areas to prepare for becoming environmentalists. Students practice sample collection skills and use of field tools and practice bird watching, hiking, and teamwork skills.
Society and Policies: Kasetsart University conducts activities to educate communities on how to tackle climate change, such as hosting an international conference on sustainability related to sustainability. As a result, the general public has knowledge and awareness of the impact on the environment. And more climate problems facing the world. It is imperative that the cooperation of the general public is needed to help solve the problem. As well as develop policies and produce research on climate change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to prepare for future problems.
Sustainable development: Climate change affects health both directly and indirectly on the body and mind. Kasetsart University is trying to solve the problem of climate change. By determining measures to reduce and cope with problems, planning and adapting to maintain the status of the community in the future under potential changes in the future.
"The Way Forward" in the context of climate change projects within universities refers to the development and implementation of initiatives that support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, conservation of natural resources, and the creation of campus sustainability. This involves the active participation of students, faculty, and the university community to create positive environmental impacts.
Strategies for Climate Change Projects within Universities:
Low-Carbon Campus Initiatives
Universities can aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind power, or biomass. Additionally, energy-saving devices can be installed in buildings, including LED lighting and smart energy management systems, to reduce energy consumption.
Green Transportation Initiatives
Promote the use of electric vehicles on campus, such as electric buses for student transport or bicycle-sharing stations within the campus. This reduces reliance on personal vehicles and encourages walking or carpooling to minimize carbon emissions from transportation.
Green Buildings
Develop environmentally friendly buildings on campus through designs that emphasize energy efficiency, such as using sustainable materials, enhancing air circulation systems, maximizing natural lighting, and reducing the need for heating and cooling.
Waste Management and Recycling Programs
Establish initiatives aimed at reducing waste volume, recycling used materials, and managing organic waste to produce compost or renewable energy. This includes placing sorting bins throughout the campus, encouraging recycling activities, and managing food waste in dining facilities.
Campus Green Spaces and Reforestation
Create and expand green spaces on campus, including tree planting, to absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality. These areas also help reduce campus temperatures and provide recreational spaces for students and staff.
Green Innovation Research Programs
Universities can be centers for researching and developing innovations related to climate change, such as clean energy technology, carbon reduction solutions, or sustainable agricultural practices, engaging students and faculty in environmental problem-solving.
Sustainability Education Programs
Develop courses or activities focused on climate change and sustainability, such as seminars, workshops, and practical research projects on energy conservation, carbon reduction, and environmental protection. This helps raise awareness and understanding among students.
Community Engagement Programs
Universities can collaborate with surrounding communities to promote climate-related projects, such as sustainable energy training for households or partnering with local organizations to develop green spaces and recycling projects in the community.
Water and Resource Conservation Initiatives
Reduce water usage on campus by implementing recycling technologies, such as rainwater collection systems, recycled water uses in bathrooms and green areas, and technologies to reduce water consumption in cleaning processes or agricultural activities.
Conclusion
These projects not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve the environment but also position the university as a model for sustainability and climate change mitigation. "The Way Forward" is about integrating these projects into the university's daily operations.
Remark: All activities in 2.14 refer to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the global goals, especially relating to Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.