
The International Symposium on Carbon-Negative Futures hosted by Innovative Center on Sustainable Negative-Carbon Resources (iSNR) at National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan brought together experts, researchers, government officials, and industry leaders to explore innovative sustainability strategies. This global event served as a vital platform for exchanging ideas and fostering actionable solutions to achieve a carbon-negative future.
This year’s symposium centred on four critical themes: Clean Energy and Energy Storage Systems, Carbon Reuse, Reduction, and Recycling, Carbon-Source Regulation in Artificial Photosynthesis, and Carbon-Neutral Computing. These themes reflect the urgency of addressing climate challenges with cutting-edge advancements and collaborative global efforts.
UBC’s Clean Energy Research Centre (CERC) was prominently represented at the symposium. Dr. Naoko Ellis, Associate Director of CERC, gave a Keynote Speech on Biomass Gasification and its Role in Canada summarizing some of the biomass utilization activities at CERC. Furthermore, Dr. Derek Gladwin, an energy educator and CERC member, along with Naoko Ellis presented “Systems Approaches to Energy Transition: Biomass Utilization as Case Studies” (pictured above). Their talk highlighted UBC’s leadership in clean energy research, education, and outreach. By demonstrating the role of systems thinking in energy transitions, they emphasized the need for interconnected approaches to drive meaningful and scalable climate solutions.

Complementing their presentation, CERC researcher, Dr. Madjid Mohseni discussed “Decentralized Water and Wastewater Systems”, showcasing the Centre’s broad expertise in sustainable resource management. As a key international collaborator, CERC continues to work with global researchers to imagine and implement carbon-negative futures.
Held in Taiwan, a leader in technological innovation and environmental stewardship, the symposium underscored the importance of collaboration and systems thinking in tackling climate change. Through events like this, the global community moves closer to realizing a sustainable and carbon-negative future.
