Current models for how climate change will affect the Earth are bleak, at best. Most studies predict more frequent hot days, rising sea levels, more acidic oceans, less snowfall, and heavier rainfall at certain parts of the year with droughts in others. However, there is good news. Many countries have taken ambitious steps in order to fight climate change, with the United States, Canada, Australia, the European Union, and others pledging to have net zero emissions by the year 2050. Australia in particular has made a plan to hopefully do this in such a way that preserves jobs, promotes economic growth, and keeps energy prices low.
One of the scientists helping Australian industries with this goal is Stevens School of Systems and Enterprises professor Amro Farid. Currently Alexander Crombie Humphreys Chair Professor in Economics of Engineering, Farid has recently been working with CSIRO, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, using system engineering to develop models of Australia’s energy system. CSIRO has been the driving force behind a lot of Australia’s climate research, also looking into protecting the endangered species and natural treasures Australia has. The country’s biodiversity makes it a great candidate for researching the long term effects of climate change. For example, research into weather patterns like El Niño and warming waters have shown to have an effect on Australian fisheries, potentially causing severe impacts to the environment, such as coral bleaching, lower yield in the fishing industry, and changes in wild fish migration patterns.
Australia is taking what they call a ‘technology-based’ approach to fighting climate change and reaching their goal of net zero emissions. Over the next decade, the government plans to invest 20 billion Australian dollars (AUD) into low power carbon solutions, such as wind and solar options, while also helping to gain 80 billion AUD in private and corporate investment. The government hopes that this investment will spur innovation that does things like lowering the cost of solar panels and developing clean hydrogen-based power and carbon capture systems, while also creating jobs in these industries to decrease the economic effects of a changing economy.
Systems engineering research fits in very well to the “technology-based” approach. Farid’s research has been developed into what is known as the Smart Energy Mission. The setup focuses on using models to develop the best solutions for Australia’s complex energy situation. It rests on 3 pillars: transformation, digitalization, and empowerment. Transformation involves modeling how energy infrastructure will change over the next few years, digitalization rests in integrating different green energy technologies under one connected interface, and empowerment comes from connecting investors, people, and governments in an international partnership.
So far, the Australian government boasts of a good track record, pointing out that emissions in the country are already more than 20 percent lower than 2005 levels. They hope to see an 85 percent reduction in emissions by 2050, which is the goal needed to become carbon neutral. The Prime Minister of Australia also stressed international cooperation in this effort saying: “You can’t have one-nation solutions to issues which are global. They require international cooperation.”
