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No model or mathematical formula alone can capture the complexity of our world, with all its emotional, cultural, and human variables that are difficult to define and measure. Therefore, we must design. To cope with complexity, we often oversimplify and seek quick models to make sense of the world and predict outcomes. However, this approach can hinder creative problem-solving and contradict the essence of innovation.

As a method of synthesis, design is a fundamental human ability that relies on intuition, prediction, and facts to envision and create pathways to a better future. Designing generates meaning by inventing new wholes that exceed the sum of their parts through an interactive, collaborative process. By involving stakeholders in the design process to deeply understand their needs and the context of innovation, design uncovers opportunities for problem-solving that conventional analytical methods alone cannot achieve. The design process reveals hidden opportunities within complex situations, enabling a creative way forward. Thus, design is essential in our quest for a more sustainable and equitable future alongside science and technology.

Achieving long-term climate stabilization targets that limit warming to 1.5oC or 2oC requires deep decarbonization, with total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions eventually falling to net zero. Because some emissions in the economy are difficult to eliminate, most 1.5oC or 2oC pathways rely on negative emissions strategies to offset residual positive GHG emissions in hard-to-abate sectors. Among carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and natural-climate solutions such as afforestation and reforestation (A/R) are among the most widely considered options. The deployment of these options will depend on their availability as well as the climate policy regime, particularly the availability of international emissions trading. In fact, CDR and international trade in GHG permits mutually reinforce each other. This relationship and its implications for the scale of CDR and emissions trading, regional deployment, carbon prices, and GDP will be discussed in this talk.