The APEC Center for Technology Foresight (APEC CTF), hosted by NXPO, has released a new study report entitled “Identification of Emerging Signals Affecting Carbon Neutrality in APEC Using Foresight”. The report has been endorsed and published under the framework of the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI).
The study examines emerging signals that could influence APEC economies’ pathways toward carbon neutrality. Using a foresight approach, it identifies developments that may either accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy or present new challenges to greenhouse gas emissions reduction across the Asia-Pacific region.
The findings underscore the importance of understanding emerging signals across technological, economic, social, environmental, and governance dimensions in order to effectively advance carbon neutrality. Key issues identified include the development of carbon markets, hydrogen technologies, and battery recycling systems, as well as food and water security, integrated Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) data systems and platforms, workforce upskilling, energy price volatility, and the health impacts of climate change.
To identify and assess these signals, the study employed a range of foresight methods and tools, including reviews of relevant literature and policy documents, horizon scanning across APEC economies, expert surveys to evaluate the significance and potential impacts of emerging issues, and a regional workshop that brought together stakeholders to exchange perspectives and formulate policy recommendations.
By translating emerging signals into actionable policy intelligence, the report provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. It supports the design of effective low-carbon transition pathways, strengthens regional cooperation and climate governance, promotes planning for a just transition, and enhances the long-term resilience of APEC economies.
The report is available for download at: https://www.apec.org/publications/2026/05/identification-of-emerging-signals-affecting-carbon-neutrality-in-apec-using-foresight
For more information about APEC CTF, please visit: https://apecctf.org/.
