Chongqing- Spokespersons of Chongqing Ecology and Environment Bureau discussed air pollution, the construction of the smart waste-free city, how to achieve carbon dioxide emissions peak and carbon neutrality (referred to as "double carbon") and other topics of public concern at the "(A) Spokesperson Comes (to) Do Practical Things for People," an environmental protection micro-talk event, which was held in the city on September 23^rd. 

What is the "double carbon"?

Li Lianxin, a staff member of the Science and Technology Division of Chongqing Ecology and Environment Bureau, introduced the "carbon dioxide emissions peak," which means that the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions reaches a historical high in a certain period and gradually decreases after reaching the peak.

Within a certain period, anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions could be offset utilizing afforestation, energy conservation, and emission reduction, resulting in relatively "zero-emission," which means that "carbon neutrality" is achieved.

In order to create an excellent livable environment and reduce the greenhouse effect, China has formally pledged to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

Reducing carbon emissions is key

Fei Zhengbin, deputy director of the Ecology and Environment Bureau of Jiulongpo District, said that reducing carbon emissions is the key to achieve "carbon dioxide emissions peak and carbon neutrality."

To this end, the first step is to carry out "double control," which is strictly controlling the development of high energy consumption and high pollution enterprises.

At the same time, the green and low-carbon economy with low energy consumption, pollution, and emission should be supported and encouraged.

Also, the technological transformation of existing high energy consumption and high pollution enterprises should be encouraged to achieve energy saving and carbon reduction.

In doing so, the total regional carbon dioxide emissions will reach a manageable peak by 2030.

Fei added, carrying out "double increases," meaning increasing the carbon sequestration capacity of carbon dioxide via afforestation, ecological restoration, and green buildings, this is to purify the air and beautify the living environment.

Furthermore, clean energy should also be developed to reduce reliance on traditional fossil energy products such as coal and oil to achieve carbon reduction.

"Double carbon" matters to everyone

Cai Hongying, a member of Chongqing's Office of the Leading Group for the Construction of a "Waste-Free City," said that the "double carbon" goal is a national campaign that concerns everyone.

So what can ordinary citizens do in the fight to achieve "double carbon"?

Cai introduced that every action in daily life will lead to carbon emission, leaving a "carbon footprint."

Cai emphasized, proactively quantifying personal carbon emissions and reducing "carbon footprint" serves as the first step towards a low carbon lifestyle.

If consciously practice low-carbon living in all aspects of daily life, people will reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide on a personal scale. This could mean taking the subway instead of driving a car, not using AC as often, and turning the lights off when they're not home. As consumers, people can reduce the frequency of buying clothes, choose versatile styles when purchasing clothes, use environmentally friendly fabrics as much as possible, reject furs, and recycle waste clothes at the same time.

(Shi Jiaqi, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)