Low Carbon

BC3’s Low Carbon research topic 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.

Research Areas

• Methods and Tools to Assess the Energy Transition
• Interactions between a Low-Carbon Economy and Sustainable Development

Research information

Background

Our team 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. Our 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 topic 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), 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 analysis, and policy evaluation. The team collaborates closely with stakeholders to generate actionable insights into the socioeconomic impacts of decarbonisation plans and ensure equitable, sustainable low-carbon transitions.

We invite BSc, MSc, and PhD students, as well as postdoctoral researchers, to join our dynamic team. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Iñaki Arto via email to explore ongoing projects, opportunities, and potential collaborations.

Latest Publications

Latest Projects

More information

• OTEA, the Observatory of Energy Transition and Climate Action
• A successful research project on environmental taxation

Team members

Adjunct researchers

External researchers from different institutions also contribute to this research line, conducting part of their work within BC3 and fostering excellence and global impact.