by Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior, Rector of USP, and Julio Romano Meneghini, Full Professor at the School of Engineering and Coordinator of RCGI

The increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global warming are leading to a concerning climate emergency. The tragic scenarios resulting from the increase in average temperature by more than 2°C compared to the pre-industrial era are a call to immediate action. It is essential to transform the energy matrices of countries that are major GHG emitters. Significant advancements in the production of solar and wind energy, as well as the development of technologies for the production and cost reduction of renewable fuels such as second-generation ethanol, biodiesel, and hydrogen, are crucial. Additionally, the development of energy storage technologies for an efficient and sustainable transition is necessary.

Countries with large forested areas should adopt responsible land use practices and invest in reforestation, contributing to carbon capture and generating income for local populations. Similarly, countries with significant agricultural production should incorporate technologies that capture more carbon in the soil and increase productivity per hectare.

Addressing the climate emergency requires political actions, multilateral scientific collaborations, public awareness, and societal support to promote behavioral changes for sustainability. Public perception plays a vital role in this process.

A transdisciplinary approach is necessary, where researchers and experts from various fields of knowledge come together to find solutions. The Triple Helix model, which promotes collaboration between universities, governments, and the private sector, is an innovation strategy that values cooperation across different sectors. This approach enables the sharing of resources, knowledge, and expertise, driving innovation and facilitating multilateral scientific partnerships.

Research centers that follow this model play a crucial role in seeking solutions to the climate emergency. They have the ability to aggregate knowledge from various areas, foster scientific collaborations between different institutions, and contribute to scientific diplomacy, strengthening global cooperation.

By adopting transdisciplinarity, the Triple Helix model, collaborative partnerships, awareness, and innovation, we can make progress in the fight against climate change and the building of a sustainable future.

At the University of São Paulo (USP), an example of this is the Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation (RCGI). The RCGI’s mission is to collaborate with Brazil in achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. With thematic programs covering various areas such as Nature-Based Solutions, Carbon Capture and Utilization, and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage, the RCGI involves 70 professors from USP and other research institutions, along with 300 researchers. USP is also involved in creating other centers following this model, such as the Center for Sustainable Amazon Studies and the Centers for Tropical Agriculture and Carbon Studies.

One outcome of the RCGI’s work is the implementation of Brazil’s first pilot plant for hydrogen production from ethanol, for which we are celebrating the groundbreaking ceremony today. With inauguration planned for early 2024, the project represents a milestone in consolidating Brazil as a global renewable energy powerhouse and has partnerships with the RCGI, Fapesp, the São Paulo State Government, Senai, and companies like Hytron, Shell Brazil, and Raízen.

In this initial stage, the plant will supply three buses provided by EMTU and manufactured by Marcopolo, as well as a vehicle offered by Toyota, all powered by fuel cells that internally generate electricity from hydrogen, with zero greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving industrial production is one of the project’s goals.

This collaboration between USP, companies, and the government demonstrates the commitment of the State of São Paulo to drive the transition to a green and sustainable economy. The pilot plant reflects the country’s expertise in biofuels, such as ethanol, strategically applied to low-carbon hydrogen production. This initiative showcases the country’s ability to seek innovative solutions, mitigating climate change through integrated actions among universities, governments, and the private sector.

The climate emergency requires an urgent transformation of energy matrices and land use. Brazil has the potential to lead this transformation, benefiting not only the country but the entire world. It is crucial that we continue to advance on this path, promoting partnerships and investments that boost the green and sustainable economy, contributing to a more prosperous and resilient future.