ICCCS 2026: Emerging Pathways in Climate, Energy, and Sustainability Research

The presentations by Prof. Dr.Fatiha Hakimi, Professor at the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Morocco, and Dr. Hammad Rasool, Research Scientist at the Institute of Sustainable Energy and Resources, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (Malaysia), who is also ranked among the top 10 in the Petroleum Engineering Department at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia, were delivered at the joint conference of the 1st International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (ICSDG 2026) and the 1st International Conference on Climate Change and Sustainability, organised by one of Asia’s leading conference organisers in Asia , iConferences. The presentations offered two very different yet complementary approaches to tackling climate change. Fatiha Hakimi focused on agroecology as a nature-based solution that transforms agriculture by working with ecosystems rather than exploiting them. She explained how industrial farming has caused soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and long-term environmental damage. Agroecology addresses these issues through crop diversification, soil conservation, and farmer-led knowledge systems that improve resilience while reducing dependence on chemical inputs. In contrast, Dr. Hammad Rasool discussed carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a technological response designed to remove carbon dioxide after it has already been emitted. While CCS has potential, he highlighted major concerns including high costs, scalability limitations, and uncertain long-term effectiveness. Together, the talks showed that climate action requires both prevention through sustainable systems and technological solutions to manage existing emissions.

Dr. Paramesh Visiting Professor,Pediatric Pulmonologist and Environmentalist, CODE Module Health and Climate 2024,Co-Chairman International Pediatric Association on Environmental Health and Climate Change 2023-2025, Alumni WHO-NGO Climate Health Working Group, Geneva India delivered a deeply concerning yet eye-opening session on the close connection between climate change, air pollution, and human health. He explained how human activities are disrupting natural systems, leading to rising greenhouse gas levels, higher global temperatures, wildfires, marine heatwaves, and rapid biodiversity loss. A major focus of the session was the health impacts of pollution, particularly the dangers posed by fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles can enter the bloodstream and affect multiple organs, increasing the risk of asthma, COPD, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological disorders. He also highlighted how both outdoor pollution from vehicles and industries, as well as indoor pollution from cooking fuels and household activities, contribute to global health problems. Dr. Paramesh concluded with a strong message that protecting the environment is directly linked to protecting human life, calling for urgent action through clean energy, stronger policies, and sustainable lifestyle changes.

Dr. Neeta Kumari Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and, Environmental Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, India. presented a powerful keynote on the relationship between mining activities and water security, highlighting the environmental risks associated with resource extraction. While mining remains important for economic development, she explained that it can severely damage groundwater and surface water systems. Groundwater, often considered a reliable source of drinking water, becomes highly vulnerable when mining disrupts underground geological structures. Contaminants such as fluoride, chloride, and nitrates can then enter water supplies and create serious health risks. Using a coal mining region in India as a case study, she demonstrated how pollution levels often increase after monsoon seasons, particularly affecting children and vulnerable communities. The research used GIS mapping and statistical tools to monitor seasonal water quality changes and assess risks. Dr. Kumari also stressed that climate change, industrial discharge, and urbanization are increasing global water stress, making sustainable mining practices, environmental governance, and community participation essential for long-term water security.

Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, Vice Rector for Research, Business Incubation and Collaboration, Associate Professor, Dept Environmental Geography, Faculty of Geography,Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia offered a thoughtful discussion on Indonesia’s sustainability challenges and the growing role of universities in driving positive transformation. The speaker described Indonesia as a country filled with contrasts rich in forests, mangroves, biodiversity, and coral reefs, yet highly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as flooding, sea level rise, and forest fires. This unique situation makes sustainability both a national responsibility and a global concern. The presentation emphasized how universities can act as “living laboratories” by integrating sustainability into education, research, and campus operations. UGM showcased initiatives including renewable energy adoption, zero-waste systems, and strong community engagement programs that connect academic knowledge with real-world solutions. The speaker also highlighted the importance of partnerships between universities, governments, industries, and communities to address global challenges collectively. Overall, the session reinforced the idea that long-term sustainability requires collaboration, innovation, and institutions willing to lead by example.

The presentation by Assoc. Prof. Gs. Sr Dr. Nurul Hazrina Binti Idris ,Manager(External and Global Engagements) Dean’s OfficeFaculty of Built Environment and Surveying Universiti Teknologi Malaysia 81300 Johor Bahru, Malaysia on satellite technology and GIS tools highlighted how modern space-based systems are becoming essential in understanding and managing the impacts of sea level rise, especially in Southeast Asia. The speaker explained that while global sea levels rise at an average rate of about 3.4 mm per year, countries like Malaysia and the Philippines are experiencing even higher increases because of regional climate and ocean conditions. Using satellite systems such as Landsat, Sentinel, and radar altimetry, researchers can monitor shoreline changes, coastal erosion, and long-term environmental patterns with remarkable accuracy. In some coastal regions, erosion now reaches several meters per year, threatening infrastructure and local communities. The session also demonstrated how GIS mapping, digital elevation models, and advanced signal analysis help identify vulnerable zones and climate-related events such as El Niño. Overall, the presentation emphasized that combining satellite technology with spatial modeling allows governments and researchers to predict future risks more effectively and improve coastal planning and disaster preparedness strategies.

Dr. M. Ayoub professor of practice Utilization of Waste Biomass to Green Fuel and Additives via Economical Catalytic Conversion delivered an innovative presentation on converting waste biomass into biodiesel and valuable industrial chemicals as a sustainable energy solution. He began by discussing the rising global demand for energy and the environmental consequences of continued fossil fuel dependence, especially increasing carbon dioxide emissions. As an alternative, he introduced biomass as a renewable energy source, particularly second-generation feedstocks such as waste cooking oil, agricultural residues, animal fats, and organic waste materials. These resources avoid the “food versus fuel” problem often associated with biofuels. A major highlight of the presentation was the use of waste-derived catalysts such as eggshells and clay to improve biodiesel production in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. He also explained how glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production, can be transformed into useful chemical products. Advanced methods like microwave-assisted and solar-powered systems further demonstrated how waste can be transformed into clean energy within a circular and sustainable economy.

The final presentation by Dr. Tee Tuan Poy ,Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia explored one of Southeast Asia’s biggest sustainability challenges: balancing food security with climate goals in the livestock sector. As populations grow and incomes rise, demand for animal protein such as meat, milk, and eggs continues to increase rapidly. However, livestock production is also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane from cattle and buffalo. Instead of reducing livestock numbers entirely, the speaker proposed focusing on lowering “emission intensity,” meaning reducing emissions for every unit of food produced. The session highlighted that poultry and pigs are generally more efficient protein sources compared to larger ruminants. To improve sustainability, the speaker suggested several practical solutions including improving feed quality, better breeding systems, stronger animal healthcare, and integrating livestock with crop production. Agricultural by-products can also be reused as animal feed to reduce waste. Overall, the presentation emphasized sustainable intensification increasing productivity while simultaneously lowering environmental impact and improving food security for the future.