The 4th GMP Forum for the academic year 2024 took place on October 29, addressing the urgent global challenge of climate change. The forum featured presentations and discussions centered on innovative solutions to the challenge, with participants divided into nine stakeholder groups representing businesses, NGOs, and governments. Each group was tasked with answering a question pre-assigned by Professor Malen: “What measures should each stakeholder take to address climate change?”
Explanation of Today’s Forum by Professor Malen
Preparatory Work and Forum Highlights
In preparation for the forum, each group brainstormed three actionable strategies through extensive discussions. Unlike previous forums, where only a few selected groups were allowed to present, this year’s event adopted a more inclusive approach. Every group presented their proposals in concise five-minute presentations, fostering greater engagement and focus among participants.
Following the presentations, the forum transitioned into negotiation sessions and multiple rounds of voting to identify the most impactful strategies. The winning proposals were evaluated using En-Roads, a climate change simulation tool designed to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed measures in achieving the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to below 2°C.
Diverse and Creative Proposals
The strategies presented showed a remarkable diversity of approaches, such as using drones for reforestation, improving agricultural efficiency and promoting environmental conservation through agroforestry (a fusion of agriculture and forest management), and reducing CO2 emissions by implementing CCS (carbon capture and storage: a method of separating, capturing, and storing carbon dioxide underground) at power plants and chemical facilities. These ideas reflected a balance between creativity and technical expertise, giving participants a deeper understanding of climate solutions.
The initiative with the most support, proposed by the Manufacturing and Services Group, focused on promoting energy efficiency. Its feasibility and potential for widespread impact received significant recognition during the forum.
Results of the First Round of Voting
“As a member of the Financial Institutions Group, I contributed to the development of strategies such as results-based climate finance and establishing a carbon credit trading platform,” said Kaho Sakurai, a third-year GMP student. “Our research revealed a lack of uniform regulations for carbon credits, which led to low confidence in the market. This finding underscored the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address these challenges.”
Presentation by the Financial Institutions Group
Reflections and Takeaways
The forum underscored the vital importance of collaboration among stakeholders in tackling climate change. As future leaders, it is necessary to understand societal issues and form informed opinions. The forum provided a valuable opportunity to cultivate these skills and left participants with a renewed commitment to tackling global challenges.
