CAST to work harder toward China's climate goals

The China Association for Science and Technology will support the country's pledge to reach peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 by facilitating innovations in green technology, promoting public and industrial participation in fulfilling the two carbon goals, and enhancing international cooperation.

Zhang Yuzhuo, Vice-President and Chief Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of CAST, made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2022 International Scientific and Technological Innovation Conference on Green Development in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region on Wednesday.

The event has been held biannually since its launch in Sichuan in 2018. This year's theme is "pursuing cooperation and sharing in green and low carbon development", with a focus on environmental protection and green development in the Yellow River basin.

Zhang said that the two carbon goals represent a sincere promise to the world, and building an inclusive, green and low carbon economy in China is a complex and urgent mission.

Consequently, CAST will encourage Chinese scientists and technologists to work toward these objectives. This includes promoting original breakthroughs in large-scale renewable energy, new electricity systems, energy saving, hydrogen energy, energy storage, battery technology, carbon capture and storage, he said.

In addition, CAST will create a community of low-carbon companies to facilitate innovation and support sustainable development, and will also promote public awareness of the goals to encourage greater participation in the endeavor.

Zhang said that CAST will launch international organizations and scientific projects to support sustainable global development.

Zhao Yingmin, Vice-Minister at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, said the ministry will support science and technology in playing a bigger role in combating pollution and facilitating green development.

This includes promoting breakthroughs in key and core technologies, the use of green technologies, and associated policies and regulations. The ministry will enhance international collaboration in tackling climate change and marine pollution, as well as protecting biodiversity, he said.