The 2nd International Cooperation Conference on Green Economy and Climate Change Held in Beijing

The 2nd International Cooperation Conference on Green Economy and Climate Change jointly hosted by CCIEE and the US “Climate Reality Program” was held in Beijing on 13-14 June 2016 under the theme of “Low Carbon Innovation, Green Future – the Power of Role Model”. Delegates from home and broad had in-depth discussions on low-carbon innovation, global climate governance, international cooperation on climate change, green economy and other issues. CCIEE Chairman Zeng Peiyan and Founder of the US “Climate Reality Program” Al Gore respectively delivered a speech.

Mr. Zeng noted in his speech that climate change bears on the common destiny and well-being of mankind. The Paris climate conference held at the end of 2015 made landmark achievements. Working together, China and the United States played a key role in concluding the Paris agreement, which fully reflected the sense of responsibility of major countries. Continuing to carry out regular high-level exchanges and consultations on climate issues with noticeable results, the two countries have become a role model of cooperation for major countries in dealing with climate change. Tackling climate change is a common task facing the international community. To develop a green economy is not only our unshirkable responsibility, but also an effective way to deal with the new situation of sluggish world economy. China is actively pursuing a vision of innovative, coordinated, green, open and sharing development in its implementation of the 13th Five-Year Plan, and has taken the initiative to undertake international obligations commensurate with its national conditions, stage of development and actual capacity. Committed to the path of green, low-carbon and circular economic development, China is implementing the Paris agreement with firm determination and proactive actions.

The Chinese delegates expressed the view that the cooperation between China and the United States on climate change has sent a positive message to the international community that countries need to work together to counter the global climate change and any attempt to dodge or shirk responsibility will not help solve the problem. We also need to demonstrate strong political determination and rely on the market forces and technology to make a difference. Particularly, deepened cooperation between sub-national actors in China and the US could play an irreplaceable role. Comprehensive cooperation between Chinese and US local governments, enterprises, universities and think tanks can not only bring into full play the expertise of institutions, enabling them to share experience and best practices, but also strengthen public support for bilateral cooperation and help them gain more rational understanding and cognition of each other’s goals, actions and capacity. More importantly, such cooperation could lead to voluntary establishment of practical partnership on climate change and deliver concrete results in various fields at an early date.

The US delegates held that climate change is a major issue facing all countries in the world; to address it, we need to rely on innovation, leverage the role of social organizations and strengthen international cooperation to deliver more effective results.