SDG 13 in numbers
The graph shows Thammasat University’s CO2 reduction (kgCO₂eq) from 2020 to 2023. The highest reduction, 14,804,513 kgCO₂eq, occurred in 2020–2021, followed by a decline to 6,808,184 kgCO₂eq in 2021–2022 due to the transition of project data from the Tree Plotter to the Electric Vehicle project. The trend increased in 2022–2023.
The graph shows Thammasat University’s research on SDG 13 (Climate Action) from 2015 to 2023, starting with 7 publications in 2015 and peaking at 51 in 2023. This trend reflects a growing focus on climate action research, especially in the last two years, highlighting Thammasat’s commitment to climate issues.
Research in SDG 13 (2019 – 2024)
Turning the Tide: Thammasat University’s Multidisciplinary Drive for Climate Action
Thammasat University scholars have addressed SDG 13 (Climate Action) through diverse research clusters from 2019 to 2024, focusing on technology, policy, adaptation, and environmental science to tackle climate challenges.
A key cluster examines decarbonization and renewable energy systems, exploring green hydrogen, waste-to-energy technologies, bio-coal, and distributed renewable generators. Studies assess Thailand’s path to net-zero emissions by 2050, analyzing economic, environmental, and policy impacts of transitioning to cleaner energy.
Another significant area is carbon capture and emissions reduction, where scholars investigate innovative methods like metal-organic frameworks and deep eutectic solvents for CO₂ capture. These advancements aim to enhance carbon capture efficiency in industrial processes, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Urban resilience and adaptation to climate risks form another cluster, focusing on sustainable flood risk management, coastal vulnerability assessments, and climate-resilient urban spaces. These projects aim to improve the resilience of Thailand’s urban areas to floods and extreme weather, addressing the social, economic, and infrastructural impacts of climate adaptation.
Behavioral and social dimensions of climate action are also studied, emphasizing how behavioral science can promote climate-friendly practices. Scholars contribute to a global initiative involving climate-related behavioral interventions in 63 countries, highlighting the importance of social engagement in achieving climate action goals.
Additionally, research explores the impacts of climate change on health and agriculture, examining effects on mental health, respiratory conditions, and agricultural productivity. This research provides insights into how climate change affects livelihoods and health outcomes in vulnerable communities.
Thammasat’s comprehensive approach to SDG 13 combines innovation, policy analysis, resilience planning, and behavioral science to address the multifaceted challenges of climate change.
Outreach and Academic Services in SDG 13
Thammasat University has launched several community service projects aligned with SDG 13, focusing on climate action and resilience. These initiatives integrate expertise from various faculties, including sciences and social sciences, to drive sustainable change and build capacity among high school students, faculty, staff, students, and the general public.
One notable project is “Let’s Make My EV: Chemical Engineering and Electric Vehicle Technology!” by the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT). This initiative targets high school students, faculty, and staff, fostering understanding of electric vehicle technology. The project promotes efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, crucial for addressing global climate change.
The Faculty of Economics organized the Monday Brown Bag event, “Modern Vehicles: Competitiveness and Adaptation in Thailand,” to discuss the economic aspects of Thailand’s automotive industry, focusing on competitiveness and adaptation to environmentally friendly technologies. This event reflects Thammasat’s commitment to developing economic policies that align with SDG 13.
SIIT also hosted a workshop on “Natural Disasters and Civil Engineering: Principles of Structural Engineering for Earthquake Resilience” during the SIIT Open House 2023. The workshop emphasized earthquake-resistant designs, essential for mitigating the impacts of frequent natural disasters, a growing concern in the era of climate change. This project highlights the integration of civil engineering with disaster management for addressing climate challenges.
Thammasat’s interdisciplinary approach, involving faculties from science, engineering, and economics, demonstrates the university’s commitment to applying knowledge across scientific, technological, and social sciences. These projects provide valuable insights and tools for students, faculty, and the public, promoting resilience and awareness in the face of climate challenges.
Featured Stories
Driving Thailand’s Climate Action with the Low Emission Support Scheme
Thammasat University has made significant contributions to climate action through Low Emission Support Scheme (LESS), led by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization. The university has implemented projects like the Waste Recycling Bank, which reduced emissions by 6.9 million kg CO2, and a 6.8 MW solar rooftop system, cutting 7 million kg CO2. Transitioning to Sustainable commuting by EV shuttle bus further reduced emissions by 500,000 kg CO2. From 2020 to 2023, these efforts led to a total reduction of 30.2 million kg of CO2 equivalent, highlighting the university’s contributions to Thailand’s climate goals.”
“Climate Action Hackathon: Small is Beautiful”
In early 2023, Thammasat University, in partnership with AIS Sustainability, hosted the “Climate Action Hackathon: Small is Beautiful.” The event challenged over 30 teams, including students, to create low-cost, high-impact prototypes addressing climate issues like emissions reduction and CO2 capture. Teams focused on energy, waste recycling, and CO2 absorption. Notable projects included Thermoelectrics’ heat-to-electricity prototype, Artificial Photosynthesis’ carbon capture device, and Mossify’s natural air purifier using moss. The event featured pitching, expert mentoring, and final presentations, with the winning team receiving 100,000 baht in funding to develop their prototype further.
Thammasat Takes Action: Leading the Way for Clean Air and Climate Solutions
Thammasat University’s Faculty of Public Health played a key role in the Fourth International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (IDCABS) 2023, aligning with SDG 13 on Climate Action. Held on September 8, 2023, at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok, the event focused on air pollution and climate solutions in Southeast Asia. Organized by Thailand’s Hub of Talents on Air Pollution and Climate (HTAPC), the conference brought together experts, policymakers, and academics. Thammasat faculty and students from Global Health and Environmental Health programs engaged in discussions on science-based, collaborative solutions to address air pollution and climate change.
