Lanzhou Hosts China-UK Carbon Neutrality Innovation Forum: Advancing Green Energy and Innovative Growth

The China-UK Carbon Neutrality Innovation Forum was held in Lanzhou on September 16. Sponsored by Lanzhou University and Southeast University in China and jointly organized by the University of Leeds and Queen's University Belfast in the United Kingdom, the forum aims to share practices in carbon neutrality, exchange the latest technologies in carbon neutrality research, and explore new trends in carbon dioxide emissions and balance. In addition, the forum called on participants from various fields to collaborate in achieving peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. It featured discussions on energy, transportation, manufacturing, and comparison and dialogues on China-UK carbon neutrality policies.

A scholar giving a keynote speech at the forum, photo by Lanzhou University

In their in-depth discussions on achieving carbon dioxide peaking and carbon neutrality, experts converged on the crucial need to optimize and upgrade the energy structure while promoting the robust development of clean energy. First, there is an urgent requirement to accelerate clean and efficient use of traditional energy sources, such as coal, and to explore alternatives to effectively reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Second, fostering the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydropower is essential for increasing their share in the overall energy consumption. Additionally, leveraging emerging technologies, such as energy internet and smart grids can give fresh impetus to the optimized allocation and efficient use of energy resources.

The China-UK Carbon Neutrality Innovation Forum, photo by Lanzhou University

In light of the substantial carbon emissions generated by the transportation industry, experts and scholars emphasized the urgent need for its green transformation. This entails vigorously promoting the use of new energy vehicles, optimizing public transport systems, and leveraging advanced technologies such as intelligent transportation and the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). These initiatives aim to enhance traffic efficiency, alleviate traffic congestion, and reduce emissions, thereby laying a solid foundation for the sustainable development of transportation.

In the manufacturing industry, a significant contributor to carbon emissions, there is a need to embrace advanced production processes and equipment, promote circular economy models, and improve waste resource utilization. These efforts can effectively reduce carbon emissions and drive green transformation and upgrading of the industry.

The forum on-site, photo by Lanzhou University

During the comparison and dialogues of China-UK carbon neutrality policies, experts and scholars conducted in-depth analyses and comparisons of the policies from both countries. China and the UK have significant cooperation potential and shared interests in advancing carbon neutrality. Both sides are expected to strengthen exchanges on policies and technologies to promote global green development together. Moreover, experts engaged in thorough discussions and exchanges on optimizing carbon neutrality policy systems and enhancing supervision and evaluation.

The group photo of experts and scholars attending the forum, photo by Lanzhou University

The forum serves as a vital platform for communication among all parties, promoting in-depth discussions on achieving carbon dioxide peaking and carbon neutrality. It facilitates policy dialogue and technical exchanges between China and the UK in the realm of carbon neutrality, injecting fresh momentum into global green development. Furthermore, the forum enhances the carbon neutrality policy framework, strengthens monitoring and evaluation processes, and contributes meaningful insight and strength to achieving global climate governance objectives. (Text by Wang Qiying)