The history of carbon neutrality, also known as net zero emissions, is intertwined with the global effort to address climate change. The concept emerged from the understanding that to prevent detrimental climate change, it’s essential to balance the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions released into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount of CO2 removal or offsetting. This balance can be achieved by reducing emissions and enhancing natural or artificial methods of removing CO2 from the atmosphere.

The idea of carbon neutrality dates back to the 1992 Rio Convention, which introduced the concept of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. However, net zero emissions and stabilization are not the same, as the carbon cycle continuously absorbs a small percentage of cumulative historical human-caused CO2 emissions into vegetation and the ocean, even after current CO2 emissions are reduced to zero. Achieving net zero emissions for CO2 alone is quicker than achieving it for CO2 and other greenhouse gases like methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. The latter are potent but short-lived and do not accumulate in the climate system in the same way CO2 does, meaning there’s no need to reduce them to zero to halt global warming​​.

The European Union (EU), as a key player in climate change action, made a legally binding commitment to reach climate neutrality by 2050, with the European Climate Law setting this target into binding EU legislation. This commitment aligns with the goal of the Paris Agreement, signed by 195 countries, including the EU, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius​​​​.

Carbon neutrality means balancing carbon emissions with carbon absorption, through carbon sinks like soil, forests, and oceans. However, natural sinks are currently insufficient to counterbalance global CO2 emissions. To achieve net zero emissions, all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions must be counterbalanced by carbon sequestration. In addition to natural methods, technological solutions like carbon capture and storage are crucial. The EU, for example, is implementing various initiatives like the emissions trading system (ETS) and the carbon border adjustment mechanism to reduce emissions​​.

By early 2021, countries representing more than 65% of global carbon dioxide emissions and over 70% of the world economy had made commitments to carbon neutrality. Prominent among these are the European Union, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and over 110 other countries pledging carbon neutrality by 2050; China aims to do so before 2060​​.

However, the concept of net zero has faced criticism. Climate scientists like James Dyke, Bob Watson, and Wolfgang Knorr argue that net zero can be harmful as it may lead to a “burn now, pay later” approach, deferring present-day emission reductions in favor of future, unproved technological fixes. This criticism is echoed by various experts who express concerns that current net zero policies might not be sufficient to keep global warming within 1.5 °C​​.

Net zero greenhouse gas emissions are seen as key targets for reaching the Paris Agreement goal of keeping the rise in global temperature well below 2°C and preferably below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Many countries, including the UK, have made legal commitments to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by specific dates as part of their plans to reach net zero​​.

In summary, the pursuit of carbon neutrality is a complex and evolving journey involving national governments, international organizations, the private sector, and individuals. While significant strides have been made, the path to achieving true net zero emissions globally involves overcoming substantial technological, economic, and political challenges.

In accordance to the Prime Minister’s declaration of intention at the COP26 convention held in Glasgow on 1 November 2021 that Thailand has the intention of becoming carbon neutral within 2050 and aims to reduce its net carbon emission to zero within 2065,

Thailand’s journey towards carbon neutrality reflects a complex interplay of policy shifts, technological advancements, and international collaboration. The country has been increasingly focused on reducing its carbon footprint and aligning with global climate change mitigation efforts.

Thailand has pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and aims for net-zero emissions by 2065, marking a significant advancement from its previous goals of 2065 and 2090, respectively. This shift was announced at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow and represents a considerable acceleration of the country’s climate ambitions​​.

The country’s approach to achieving these targets involves several key strategies and initiatives. One crucial aspect is the shift in the energy sector. Despite a recent focus on securing fossil fuel supply and planning to expand gas-fired power plants, Thailand recognizes the need to transition towards renewable energy sources. The potential for renewable energy in Thailand remains high and underutilized, necessitating an acceleration of mitigation efforts to meet its climate commitments. The country is in the process of drafting important climate-relevant documents, including its Climate Change Act and National Energy Plan, which are expected to include more ambitious power sector targets and detailed implementation roadmaps towards long-term carbon neutrality and net-zero targets​​.

Thailand’s commitment to increase the share of renewable energy to 30% of total final energy consumption by 2037 is significant. The government is also actively seeking foreign investment and expertise to become a regional leader in electric vehicle (EV) production. By 2030, it is expected that 30% of vehicle production will be EVs, and by 2035, all vehicles sold domestically will be zero-emission. This transition to EVs, particularly in public transport, will offer quieter, cleaner, and more pleasant commuting options for the majority of Thais​​.

Additionally, the country is employing the concept of the bio-circular green economy (BCG) as an integrative framework for promoting economic development in the agricultural, energy, and manufacturing sectors. This approach emphasizes the production of renewable biological resources, re-use and recycling of resources, and keeping the economy, society, and environment in balance​​.

To support these efforts, Thailand has devised a six-point plan that includes integrating carbon neutrality and net-zero targets into national policies across various sectors, employing carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology across industries, developing mechanisms for carbon credits, expanding forested areas for increased carbon absorption, and enforcing the Climate Change Act that the ministry is drafting​​.

In terms of urban planning, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) has committed to building at least 200 kilometers of expressway in the next decade to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes extending existing expressways and implementing changes within its organization, like switching to LED lamps and electric vehicles, and installing solar panels​​.

Despite these ambitious plans and policies, Thailand’s current policy projections are unable to achieve its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The country is rated as “Critically Insufficient” by the Climate Action Tracker, indicating that current policies and commitments reflect minimal action and are not consistent with the Paris Agreement. For Thailand to improve its rating, it needs to establish policies to curb its expected growth in emissions and plan for long-term deep decarbonization​​.

Overall, Thailand’s path to carbon neutrality illustrates a nation actively reorienting its policies and strategies towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. However, the challenge remains in effectively implementing these plans and ensuring they align with the global efforts to combat climate change.

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), as a university with clear policies on sustainability of energy and environmental management whose contribution in the development of sustainable universities is well known, has declared that its net carbon emission will be reduced to zero within 2040 in the campaign of “KMUTT Carbon Neutrality 2040”.

In support of carbon emission reduction, KMUTT has declared its mission to eliminate its carbon emission to zero within 2040 in the “KMUTT Carbon Neutrality 2040” campaign that shall be accomplished with the use of renewable energy and plantation to absorb carbon and thus reduce the impact of climate change.