The first Shanghai Climate Week kicked off Monday with a series of activities to raise awareness among the public about the need to combat climate change on occasion of the 55th World Earth Day.
This year's Earth Day is themed "Planet vs. Plastics." It is an annual event that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness to protect Earth's natural resources for future generations.
Aimed at creating a platform for governments, business, academic and social institutions to cooperate in dealing with the climate crisis, the Shanghai Climate Week finally opened after months of preparations, and is themed "China Action, Asian Voice, Global Standard."
"Actually, China has made a lot of efforts in economic development and carbon reduction. So we hope that through our actions, we can raise the voice of Asia, on behalf of Asia and other countries in Asia, letting the world see our efforts. What we are doing is not only developing economy, but also spurring efforts in carbon reduction," said Rao Wei, deputy secretary-general of the Secretariat of Executive Committee of Shanghai Climate Week.
Some speakers at the opening ceremony said China's efforts in reaching the dual carbon goals are reshaping the country's energy and industrial structure, and at the same time, creating new forces driving economic growth.
"The dual-carbon goal is also a new driving force for China's sustained and stable economic growth. The dual-carbon goal will generate a total of 200 trillion yuan, or about 27.6 trillion U.S. dollars of investment in China over the next few decades. We still have some 30 years to 2060. That means a few trillion yuan will be invested each year in new energy and clean energy development. These areas will be important trackers for China's economic development," said Huang Qifan, former vice chairman of China Center for International Economic Exchanges.
The Shanghai Climate Week is also focusing on the younger generation for education and training in sustainable development.
A research institute for sustainable development will also be constructed by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, or UNITAR.
"We also serve as the platform for international collaborations, particularly we'll emphasize and enhance the knowledge exchange and practice-sharing. For example, we can bring what is best practice in China as the learning solution, the case study to people and country around the world and also, doing the same way round," said Wang Manke, UNITAR China Training Coordinator.
The following week from Monday to Friday will see a series of activities and forums by various industries, discussing paths to a greener world and helping China meet its dual carbon goals by 2030 and 2060.
First Shanghai Climate Week kicks off on World Earth Day
