Advancing Sustainable Development: Harnessing AI and Big Data for Carbon Neutrality Management

Person placing wooden blocks with sustainability graphics in the shape of stairs

UBC Forestry Summer Institute

Advancing Sustainable Development: Harnessing AI and Big Data for Carbon Neutrality Management

Tentative Schedule: 3 weeks (July 20 – August 09, 2024)
Course Duration: 60 hours
Leading Instructor: Prof. Guangyu Wang & Prof. Qingshi Tu

Carbon neutrality is one of the important means to mitigate climate change. Through carbon neutrality, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, and the negative impacts of global climate change on the environment, economy, and society can be alleviated. Canada is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitting countries in the world. Through carbon management, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, the carbon footprint can be lowered, and the impact of climate change can be mitigated. Canada proposed the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 in the Paris Agreement, meaning carbon neutrality within a short period of 30 years. Therefore, this is a very challenging task, as it needs to achieve the highest reduction in carbon intensity globally. Carbon neutrality involves profound social system changes that not only relate to energy transformation but also affect changes in development and growth patterns, lifestyle systems, and more. These changes present both huge challenges and significant opportunities to our generation of university students.

Carbon neutrality requires new technologies, new industries, and new models. This course will explore the intersection of sustainable development, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data in the context of managing carbon neutrality. Students will examine the potential of these technologies to drive innovation, optimize resource use, and reduce carbon emissions in various industries and sectors. Through case studies, guest lectures, and hands-on projects, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI and big data can be leveraged to achieve carbon neutrality and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Course Objectives

  • Understand the causes, impacts, and trends of climate change.
  • Master the concept of greenhouse gases and their impact on climate change.
  • Discuss how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through carbon neutrality management.
  • Master how to evaluate the effectiveness of carbon neutrality management and its impact.
  • Explore the role of AI and big data in managing carbon neutrality and reducing carbon emissions
  • Analyze the potential benefits and challenges of using AI and big data for sustainable development

Course Outline

Part I: Basic Science of Global Climate Change

  • Definition, causes, and trends of climate change
  • The impact of climate change on human society

Part II: Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change

  • Definition and types of greenhouse gases
  • Sources and impacts of greenhouse gas emissions
  • Methods and data sources for measuring greenhouse gases

Part III: Carbon Neutrality Management Techniques

  • Definition and objectives of carbon neutrality management
  • Methods and techniques of carbon neutrality management
  • The role of AI in carbon neutrality management
  • Big data analytics for carbon emission reduction
  • Case studies in AI and big data for sustainable development

Part IV: Carbon data, policy, Finance, and Market

  • Carbon analysis methodologies
  • Carbon policy, market and trade
  • Carbon financing

Part V: Case Analysis of Carbon Neutrality Management

  • Practical case analysis of carbon offset management
  • Examination of carbon neutrality companies in Canada

Part VI: Practices and Application of Carbon Neutrality Management

  • Application of carbon neutrality management in different fields
  • Future trends and challenges of carbon neutrality management
  • Opportunities and challenges in implementing AI and big data for sustainable development

Learning Assessment

  • Classroom participation and discussion quality
  • Homework and group projects
  • Case analysis of carbon neutrality enterprises
  • Cultural and academic sharing with UBC students
  • Final presentation and research report

Choices for Field Practice

Stanley Park or other city parks, sustainability facilities, case study of sustainable projects

How to Apply

Please read the instructions on the UBC Forestry Summer Institute page to submit your application.

Tentative Program Schedule

Sunday, July 20 Monday, July 21 Tuesday, July 22 Wednesday, July 23 Thursday, July 24 Friday, July 25 Saturday, July 26
9-12 AM Arrive and settle in at UBC Welcome remarks, UBC and forestry introduction, course orientation Lecture Lecture Lecture Lecture Day Visiting trip (optional)
1:30-4:30 PM UBC Campus Tour
Sunday, July 27 Monday, July 28 Tuesday, July 29 Wednesday, July 30 Thursday, July 31 Friday, August 01 Saturday, August 02
9-12 AM Day Visiting trip (optional) Lecture/Guest lecture Field Practice 1:Examination of carbon neutrality facilities (9:00-17:00) Lecture/Guest lecture Lecture/Guest lecture Lecture/Guest lecture Day Visiting trip (optional)
1:30-4:30 PM
Sunday, August 03 Monday, August 04 Tuesday, August 05 Wednesday, August 06 Thursday, August 07 Friday, August 08 Saturday, August 09
9-12 AM Day Visiting trip (optional) Lecture/Guest lecture Field Practice 2: Practical case analysis of carbon offset management (9:00-17:00) Lecture/Guest lecture Lecture/Guest lecture Presentation of group projects and Graduation Ceremony group projects Leaving