PhD Dissertation Final Oral Defense (April 2022)

Title of dissertation: Unified Blockchain Platform for Carbon Emission Trading: A Comprehensive Smart Contracts System Integrated with Internet of Things Technology

Name of Candidate: Alia Al Sadawi
Name of Supervisor: Dr. Malick M. Ndiaye
Program: PhD in Engineering - Engineering Systems Management

Abstract: Climate change is a dangerous phenomenon that faces the world today. It has negative impacts on human wellbeing, earth’s sustainability, and the global economy especially supply chains. Climate change occurs due to the excess emissions of GHG, particularly CO2. The world noticed the serious consequences of climate change and has been adopting various measures and tools to combat it. The most effective tool is the carbon emission trading scheme which was established by the United Nations under the Kyoto Protocol to create a system that monetizes CO2 emissions and eventually controls them. The scheme is based on the concept of cap and trade where a certain quantity of carbon allowances each equivalent to one tone of emitted CO2 is allocated to emitters. Each emitting entity is obliged to emit CO2 without exceeding its cap. However, if it does so, it can buy allowances from other emitters or green projects. Although the present carbon emission trading scheme helped in reducing harmful emissions, it fell short of its ultimate goals due to manipulation, lack of integrity, double spending, complications, and other challenges. To address these problems, many researchers proposed solutions to the present carbon emission trading scheme using blockchain technology. Blockchain presented itself as an ideal solution for the current carbon emission trading market due to its distinguished characteristics of security, traceability, decentralization, etc., which make it a robust and reliable solution for the carbon trading market. Previous blockchain-based frameworks found in the literature were not comprehensive or efficient enough to form a vital solution. This research not only solves the problems facing the current carbon emission trading scheme but also elevates its operations and extends its capabilities by designing and developing a comprehensive blockchain framework and practical system that employ smart contracts and Blockchain of Things (BoT). The developed smart contracts were simulated, tested and analyzed to ensure system efficiency and reliability. The results proved that our developed carbon emission trading framework and smart contract platform support integrity, security, traceability and achieve fair trade status. Additionally, it is fully transparent with automated trading and control mechanisms operating at a reduced cost.