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The activity was part of the 8th Energy Transition Research & Innovation Conference (ETRI), organized by the Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation (RCGI-USP). The panel brought together leaders from various USP research centers engaged in projects related to climate challenges, offering complementary perspectives on the role of science in this process.<\/p>\n
The possible trillion: turning wealth into transition<\/strong> Meneghini emphasized that energy transition will only occur with stable funding for research and innovation \u2014 and Brazil can find part of these resources in the very wealth that currently threatens the climate. RCGI leads hydrogen-from-ethanol projects and is preparing a green methanol plant expected to start operating in 2025. \u201cGreen hydrogen still costs nearly five dollars per kilo; we need to reach one. That will only come with technology and investment.\u201d<\/p>\n Limits for new oil frontiers<\/strong> He argued that COP30 \u2014 to be held in the heart of the Amazon \u2014 must signal the beginning of a new development model based on renewable energy and ecosystem protection, supported by permanent international financial mechanisms.<\/p>\n Reinventing the industry: from offshore to post-carbon<\/strong> He stressed that Brazil has unique infrastructure and human capital to accelerate this reinvention \u2014 but only with firm public policies and regulation.<\/p>\n Science and climate justice<\/strong> The health warning<\/strong> The strength of USP\u2019s scientific diversity<\/strong> Proposals presented by researchers during the USP Pre-COP event reveal the country\u2019s dilemma between exploiting resources that still sustain its economy and accelerating the leap into the post-carbon era. Responsible … <\/p>\n
Julio Romano Meneghini, from RCGI, presented a proposal aimed at reconciling economic realism with decarbonization targets regarding oil exploration in Brazil\u2019s Equatorial Margin.
\u201cWe are talking about roughly one trillion dollars. If 2% or 3% of this amount were mandatorily allocated to forest restoration and emission compensation, it would already be a step toward not worsening the climate scenario,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Paulo Artaxo, from CEAS, expressed concerns about opening new exploration frontiers, citing IPCC findings.
\u201cThe IPCC has been clear: the space for new projects is increasingly limited if we want to keep global warming within the 1.5\u00b0C target,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Gustavo Assi, from OTIC, offered a bridge:
\u201cThe offshore industry does not have to be synonymous with oil and gas. It can be the space of the transition \u2014 from which new molecules like hydrogen and ammonia will emerge, along with offshore carbon capture and storage technologies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Patr\u00edcia Iglecias, from USPproClima, highlighted that the transition will only be just if guided by science and equity.
\u201cCOP30 decisions must be based on evidence \u2014 emission inventories, vulnerability metrics \u2014 and consider those who suffer the most from climate impacts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paulo Lotufo, from CPCE, reminded the audience that the climate crisis is also a health crisis, with rising respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in areas affected by fires and deforestation.<\/p>\n
USP\u2019s rector, Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Jr., emphasized that the plurality of perspectives across USP\u2019s research centers enables the university to contribute effectively to climate challenges.
\u201cUSP fulfills its mission when it turns science into development and research into solutions for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"