When and what measures should be taken to prevent global warming? Hasegawa is working to solve this problem using a simulation model to evaluate global-scale measures.

Department of Environmental and Urban Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Ritsumeikan University
associate professorTomoko Hasegawa three

A picture that determined the course of my career.
When he was a high school student, Mr. Hasegawa was good at science-related subjects and chose to study science, but he had no particular direction of interest. However, a photograph he saw in a geography book of forests in Germany being lost to acid rain had a strong impact on him, and he became interested in environmental issues. This led me to enter a university where I could approach environmental issues, hoping to contribute to solving global-scale environmental problems. While studying urban environmental issues at university, I dreamed of taking the next step in my international career. Once I have a goal in mind, I work hard to make it a reality," Hasegawa says with a laugh. While researching the exam requirements for working at the United Nations, he learned that holding a doctorate would broaden his field of activity. At the same time, he decided to enter graduate school after seeing senior researchers enjoying their research. He expanded his research theme from cities to the entire globe and began his research.

Research to derive the optimal solution for mankind to take.
To solve the global warming problem, Dr. Hasegawa is currently engaged in research using an "integrated assessment model," a simulation model that reproduces weather, crop cultivation, land use, ecosystems, and economics, all of which affect each other. This model is used to predict the results of global warming prevention measures and to derive more appropriate countermeasures.
For example, suppose we increase the use of biomass fuels to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. If we increase the cultivation of plants for biomass fuels without any consideration, we deprive land and water for food production. Although carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced, there is a risk of causing food problems. Through simulations, Dr. Hasegawa has shown the importance of taking measures that match the food situation of each country while using biomass fuels, and this has attracted attention from around the world. It is important to make predictions using a variety of statistical data and evaluate them from multiple perspectives," says Hasegawa. He is searching for solutions to environmental problems through grand research that will lead to actions that humankind should take.

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