Pathway to the Green Transformation of Society - EDITS at COP29

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The event was started with a welcome by Mr. Hiroshi Maeda from METI and a kick-off and welcome speech by Dr. Keigo Akimoto, RITE. Dr. Bas van Ruijven argued how demand-side solutions deliver system-wide changes and leverage up-stream savings through the energy cascade (Figure 1). Social and technological transformations are equally important in enabling low energy demand futures.

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Social innovations follow similar patterns as technological innovations distribution. Early adopters are critical, because they enable the testing of social change. These individuals are typically more risk-taking, environmentally more savvy, and often have social concerns. Mainstream adopters avoid risk, nevertheless they willingly follow through and adopt proven social practices, either because of the benefits or policy backing. Dr Nemet said that his research shows that the formative phase of social innovation patterns is critical, it can serve as a turning point, as well as define the speed of the spread. Social innovations could still enable fast decarbonization, which is the hope to still achieve climate goals. Dr Roy's policy example on mobility fuel-mix transformation in Pakistan demonstrated the emphasis on relevant and effective policies at turning points of the pattern formation, but especially in the roll-out phase mentioned. The policy sequence for fuel shift was very fast compared to other countries building on the local fuels, interest and collaboration, as well as policy. The Sufficiency Economy Principle in Thailand is an astounding policy example in the developing world that lays the intersection of energy savings and efficiency. It has been a cornerstone of the Thai policy system since 1973, way before the international support (e.g. IPCC 2022, GEA 2012, UNDP 2007). From 2007 SEP is integrated into Thai constitution.

Participants raised the issue of financing, especially in comparison to other finance needs, such as renewables, SDGs, carbon removal, etc. Dr. Urge-Vorsatz had previously shown that the costs of standard construction and advanced construction are in the same range (Figure 2). The panel agreed that financing is a key issue, and while energy-demand solutions are known to be very cheap relative to other interventions, there seem to be a combination of barriers that together limit full fledged upscaling.