Assessment of carbon balance through nature-base solution, at AIT campus : contribution of forestry to net-zero emissions | |
| Author | Phal, Raksmey |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-24-04 |
| Subject(s) | Carbon sequestration--Thailand Urban forestry--Thailand--Management Sustainable development--Thailand |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | As global efforts intensify to achieve net-zero emissions and widespread decarbonization, the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in small organizational settings remains significantly under-researched. This study focuses on the implementation of NbS at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) to evaluate their potential to meet ambitious net-zero targets by 2030. Specifically, it assesses carbon emissions, carbon stocks, and carbon removals linked to three distinct forest restoration strategies: fast-growing species, bamboo species, and slow-growing species. Initial findings reveal that AIT's baseline carbon emissions stood at 8,367 MgCO2e in 2022. Our projections for the period 2023 to 2050 suggest that the existing forest management practices could stabilize and substantially enhance carbon stocks, estimated at approximately 32,778.5 MgCO2. Furthermore, annual carbon removals were calculated for different NbS interventions: 2,349.0 MgCO2 from improved urban forest management, 603.2 MgCO2 from biochar application, and up to 9,842.0 MgCO2 from the restoration involving fast-growing species. These interventions show varying degrees of effectiveness in contributing to net-zero goals, with fast-growing species offering the most immediate benefits. The research highlights that, while achieving net zero by 2030 is unlikely without the integration of additional solar energy solutions, it is attainable soon after under stable emission baselines. This study underscores the critical role that tailored NbS can play in enabling small organizations like AIT to contribute effectively to global carbon neutrality efforts, provided these strategies are correctly implemented and scaled. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Sasaki, Nophea |
| Examination Committee(s) | Tsusaka, Takuji W.;Ekbordin Winijkul |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Loom Nam Khong Pijai (Greater Mekong Subregion) scholarships |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |