Dr. Masahiro Sugiyama is a distinguished international authority in climate policy research with extensive contributions to global climate governance frameworks. He currently serves as Professor at the Institute for Future Initiatives at the University of Tokyo, where he has advanced critical research on long-term climate strategy since joining in April 2014. Holding both a Ph.D. in climate science and a master's degree in technology and policy from MIT, his interdisciplinary training provides a unique foundation for addressing complex climate challenges through integrated scientific and policy approaches. Prior to his appointment at the University of Tokyo, he contributed valuable research at the Socio-Economic Research Center of the Central Research Institute of the Electric Power Industry, establishing his expertise in energy systems analysis and policy formulation.
Professor Sugiyama's groundbreaking work in climate policy analysis has positioned him at the forefront of climate governance research, with his scholarly contributions accumulating over 2660 citations according to Google Scholar. His expertise encompasses sophisticated scenario analysis of climate and energy policy trajectories alongside innovative research on the governance of climate engineering from diverse public engagement perspectives. As a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group III's Sixth Assessment Report and currently serving as coordinating lead author for the Seventh Assessment Report, his insights have shaped international climate policy discussions. His influential book Controlling the Climate The Risky Last Resort of Global Warming Countermeasures has become an essential reference for understanding the complex ethical and governance dimensions of climate intervention technologies.
Beyond his scholarly contributions, Professor Sugiyama has provided critical guidance to major climate research initiatives as a former member of the Harvard SCoPEx Advisory Committee and current member of the GESAMP Working Group 41 on Ocean Interventions for Climate Change Mitigation. His expertise is frequently sought by media outlets including recent appearances on BS Fuji's Galileo X program discussing the implications of geoengineering. Professor Sugiyama continues to advance the field through his leadership in developing governance frameworks that balance scientific innovation with public acceptance and ethical considerations. His ongoing research focuses on creating robust policy pathways for addressing climate change while carefully evaluating the potential role and risks of climate engineering approaches, ensuring his work remains at the vital intersection of science, policy and public discourse.
