On November 7, 2017, the second day of the 23rd United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP23) held in Bonn, Germany, China Green Carbon Foundation (CGCF) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) co-organized a side event titled, “Belt and Road: NDCs and Green Development.” The first in a series of side events sponsored by the Belt and Road Green Development Partnership at COP23, the event was moderated by Yang Fuqiang, a steering committee expert of the Partnership, and Senior Advisor at NRDC. Dr. Yang noted that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) involves many developing countries that are ecologically vulnerable and face multiple challenges of poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and climate change response. Investment and cooperation under BRI is therefore critical toward the sustainable economic and social development, and NDC implementation of BRI countries. China has actively responded to climate change by taking effective measures to uphold green development as a key principle of BRI cooperation. Project-level cooperation must pay close attention to environmental and climate impacts, as well as the sustainability of development, in order to help BRI countries realize their intended goals under the Paris Climate Agreement.
As CGCF’s Secretary-General Deng Kan delivered the opening speech, he emphasized that the success of BRI would benefit the entire world. China has substantial experience in energy and carbon credits, which can be shared with BRI countries. Cooperation under BRI can contribute significantly to climate change response and the establishment of a green economic system under BRI. Following the introduction, every speaker provided an overview of research results and case studies from their respective fields and regions.
Mr. Hou Yuanqing, CGCF’s Research Department Deputy Director, introduced the past ten years of China’s forestry development, sharing the significance of specific practices that address climate change. The goals of China’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) includes forest carbon sequestration, sustainable forest management, and the increase of forest cover and forest stock. Additionally, China has been a willing partner with relevant agencies in BRI countries, establishing international cooperation mechanisms for green development. China has dealt with climate change through forestry development for many years, and hopes to share its successful experiences controlling desertification with BRI countries, reinforcing the mission of low-carbon sustainable development for BRI.
Ms. Guo Hongyu, Project Manager at Greenovation Hub, presented research showing that the world’s current NDC pledges cannot achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement for 1.5° or even 2° Celsius. Through the global stocktake mechanism, every nation must gradually increase their NDC targets in order to close the emissions gap. In Vietnam, for instance, economic development has caused rapid growth in electricity demand, but most of that demand has been met by coal, while wind and solar development remain in early stages. Research demonstrates that renewable energy development and improved energy efficiency can optimize the power structure of Vietnam, reducing the need for new coal capacity and thereby curbing the growth of carbon emissions. Mr. Nguyen Tuan Anh of the Vietnam Ministry of Planning and Investment reiterated the above in his own speech: from a planning perspective, the proportion of coal power will increase significantly by 2030; and although energy investment is hot, renewable energy investments are lacking. Vietnam therefore plans to develop incentives for the promotion of clean energy investments, drawing valuable lessons from China’s experience.
In his speech, Professor Yuan Jiahai of the North China Electric Power University mentioned that support for the construction of sustainable and affordable energy infrastructure is a critical foundation for the social and economic development of BRI in light of current energy shortages in many BRI countries. China’s energy development experience and technology, particularly in renewable energy and energy efficiency, will provide strong support for these countries. Presenting recent development data, Professor Yuan demonstrated the continuous improvement in efficiency and emissions reductions of China’s electricity industry, which illustrates that the environmental protection indicators of China’s power plants are leading the world. He also mentioned that if some BRI countries lack renewable energy resources, or if the cost of new infrastructure within a short period of time is too high, electricity from low-carbon clean coal may serve as a last resort. Lastly, he proposed the introduction of a green indicators system.
Panda Green Energy Group Limited designed a “Panda Power Station” based on the image of a giant panda, a national image, representing the future of new energy development in China. Zhu Zhu, the Media Director of Panda Green Energy, said in an interview that BRI is a huge opportunity for renewable energy development. Panda Green Energy currently is negotiating opportunities for cooperation and investment in countries including Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Fiji.
The event focused on cooperation for energy development and carbon sequestration along BRI, featuring a combination of case studies and technology. The subsequent discussion highlighted methods of practicing green principles within BRI partnerships and how to support partner countries achieve their carbon reduction goals. Cooperation on climate change is a key component of BRI, and strategies to achieve carbon emissions reduction goals remain at the heart of the climate agenda. As the first ever discussion at the UN of the critical relationship between BRI and national commitments for emissions reduction, this event attracted representatives from Southeast Asia and Africa, as well as many other countries.
In September 2016, the Belt and Road Green Partnership was collectively launched by a number of domestic and international think tanks, environmental organizations, and public welfare foundations. This Partnership aims to establish business guidelines; to develop high-quality research and policy recommendations for green development; and to promote China’s policies and common ground with BRI countries. The Partnership aims to achieve the targets of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement, particularly those concerning ecological protection, climate change response, energy reform, green finance, and industrial cooperation, to foster an international society working together for the green development of BRI. Ultimately, the Partnership will help China develop and enhance its leadership in global green governance through its cooperation with 17 current partners.
Belt and Road Green Development Partnership http://www.chinagoinggreen.org/
