Interaction among Megatrends and the Paradigm of Low-Carbon Society

This paper investigates the interaction among the paradigm of Low-Carbon Society (LCS) and the megatrends in field of population, environment, geopolitics, and energy. The paradigm of LCS is regarded as a 'social will' trend, distinguished from other 'phenomenal' trends. The qualitative analysis shows that the megatrends and the LCS paradigm have positive/neutral/negative impacts on one another, while some impacts can be reversed to other types of impact with the conditions having ripened. In quantitative analysis, the correlation between the LCS paradigm and the economy is traced with our Integrated Assessment Model, looking into such response options as population control, increase in labor force participation, and productivity enhancement to maintain utility level despite the pursuit of LCS paradigm. The future challenges in national strategy and S&T policy are suggested, based on the interaction analyses.