Project Background and Significance
The core task of this project is to summarize the valuable experiences of China's low-carbon energy transition and to introduce and promote Chinese practices to developing countries. Two developmental contexts underscore the importance of this project.
Firstly, global warming has become an increasingly urgent challenge for all of humanity. On March 20, 2023, the IPCC released its Sixth Assessment Report, "Climate Change 2023," which pointed out that the continuous rise in global temperatures over the past century has been driven by the burning of fossil fuels and unequal, unsustainable energy and land use. Currently, the global average temperature is 1.1℃ higher than pre-industrial levels. Climate change is leading to more frequent extreme weather events, ecosystem destruction, and threats to human life and economic stability.
Secondly, energy demand in developing countries is rising. Against the backdrop of global industrial chain restructuring, the industrialization of developing countries is accelerating. Industrial development objectively requires a large amount of energy, and reliance on traditional energy solutions will inevitably lead to increased carbon emissions. Developing countries urgently need low-carbon energy transition plans and implementation paths.
Finding low-carbon solutions holds at least the following significant implications:
1. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Developing countries are often major sources of global greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting low-carbon solutions, these countries can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, adopt renewable energy and clean technologies, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change and mitigate global warming trends.
2. Promoting Sustainable Development: Low-carbon solutions can promote sustainable development in developing countries. By investing in and adopting clean energy technologies, these countries can achieve energy self-sufficiency and diversification. Additionally, a low-carbon economy can create jobs and new business opportunities, drive economic growth, and promote environmental protection and ecosystem restoration.
3. Enhancing Resilience: Developing countries are often the most vulnerable and affected by climate change. By adopting low-carbon solutions, these countries can enhance their capacity to withstand climate change risks.
4. Global Cooperation and Response: Climate change is a global issue that requires global cooperation and joint efforts to address. The proactive actions of developing countries in adopting low-carbon solutions can set an example for global climate change response and promote international cooperation. By sharing experiences and technologies, developing countries can work together with developed countries to tackle climate change challenges and achieve the common goal of sustainable development.
Since President Xi Jinping proposed China's dual carbon goals in 2020, China's low-carbon energy transition has made significant progress. In 2023, the installed capacity of renewable energy in China surpassed that of traditional energy. China's electric passenger vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar cells have become the new trio of exports. Therefore, summarizing and disseminating China's practices in low-carbon energy transition can help developing countries control global warming and achieve sustainable development during their rapid economic growth.
Project Objectives
Leveraging the platform advantages of the Antai College of Economics and Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and based on the foundational research of our expert faculty, this project aims to provide low-carbon solutions to developing countries and underdeveloped regions. Our goal is to ensure the implementation of these solutions, providing long-term and sustainable assistance to the local areas.