Low Carbon Research groups

BC3’s Low Carbon research supports informed decision-making to ensure a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon society. With a strong emphasis on accelerating emissions reductions in line with the Paris Agreement, the research examines critical scientific insights into the opportunities, challenges, and risks involved in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. By actively engaging with stakeholders across sectors, BC3 shapes and influences climate policies that not only align with global sustainability goals but also foster inclusive solutions for long-term environmental and social well-being.

Background

BC3 develops advanced methods and tools to analyse low-carbon transitions and assess the broad impacts of climate policies. By integrating technological, economic, and social dimensions, such as well-being, equity, gender dynamics, and public health, the team supports evidence-based policymaking that promotes a just and sustainable future. Through active stakeholder engagement and collaboration with institutions like the European Commission, Food and Agriculture Organisation, European Climate Foundation, Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Basque Government, the group supports the design and implementation of real-world decarbonisation strategies. BC3 multidisciplinary approach emphasises the importance of justice in climate policies, particularly for vulnerable communities, ensuring that climate actions benefit all.

Research Interests

BC3’s Low Carbon research line explores models, tools, and databases to comprehensively evaluate climate mitigation policies and explore the interactions between a low-carbon economy and sustainable development. With expertise in Integrated Assessment Models (e.g., GCAM, WILIAM), Computable General Equilibrium models (CHANCE), Dynamic Econometric Input-Output models (FIDELIO, DENIO, DERIO), micro-simulation models (MEDUSA, EUROFUSE), and Environmental Extended Multiregional Input-Output models and databases (EXIOBASE, WIOD, FIGARO-3e, Forest-SCAN, Agro-SCAN), the team offers a multidisciplinary approach blending Energy-Economy-Environment modelling, social impact assessment, and policy evaluation. A key activitiy of this group is the Observatory of Energy Transition and Climate Action (OTEA), which monitors the socio-economic and environmental implications of decarbonisation in Spain. The team collaborates closely with public and private institutions to deliver rigorous, policy-relevant analysis that supports an equitable and sustainable low-carbon transition.