Climate change is a real threat to life on Earth and carbon dioxide (CO2) is recognised as the major contributor. This highlights the reduction in CO2 emissions as a worldwide emergency and priority. As we speak, tremendous amounts of research are being carried out worldwide to tackle the challenge of integrating CO2 capture with its utilisation. As a result, new scientific discoveries and innovative technologies are emerging to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions.

Recognising the importance of this issue, the Centre for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilisation (CCDCU) of Sunway University (member of the EuroAsia Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilisation Network) in collaboration with Lancaster University, organised an event consisting of virtual seminars with the title “Mitigating Climate Change Through Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilisation”.The event was held in conjunction with Lancaster COP26 Festival, as well as after the success of a 2-day seminar on “Emerging Technologies for CO2 Capture and Utilisation”.

Sunway University’s initiative to collaborate with global institutions to organise climate change-related seminars is timely and in recognition of the critical role partnerships and collaborations play in tackling such global challenges.

During these seminars, International speakers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), Lancaster University (UK), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece), National University of Singapore (Singapore), Inha University (Korea), United Arab Emirates University (UAE), Dawood University of Engineering and Technology (Pakistan), University of Indonesia (Indonesia) along with local speakers from Universiti Malaysia Perlis and Sunway University presented and discussed the most recent innovations, trends, and techno-economic aspects related to CO2 Capture and Utilisation.

Integrating CO2 capture and usage is the way forward to tackle one of the grand challenges facing earth and humanity. As mentioned by Professor Mohamed Kheireddine, head of CCDCU, “CO2 capture and its utilisation is crucial to protecting life on earth, it is also essential for creating life on other planets as demonstrated recently during NASA’s mission at planet Mars where CO2 from Mars atmosphere was captured and used to generate oxygen, an essential gas for life.”

With the success of these virtual events, CCDCU attempts to continue planning and organising exciting seminars in the future. The CCDCU also strives to continue its contribution towards global climate change issues through education, research and innovation while collaborating with world-class institutions. Sunway Group and Sunway University have made large investments in the form of research infrastructure and funding to support the global quest for Climate Action (SDG13) with a number of initiatives, particularly the recent establishment of the EuroAsia Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilisation Network-EACO2CUNet which comprises 29 researchers from 23 Universities across 14 countries and the signing of a three-year research collaboration agreement with MIT.

Efforts like these, which bring together the best minds, new ideas and inspire the younger generation, will eventually lead to discoveries on the best methods to mitigate climate change issues globally.

Professor Mohamed Kheireddine Aroua
School of Engineering and Technology
Email: @email