Industrial Upgrading is A Big Opportunity for Economic Development丨Expert

Chongqing-  As the global urbanization rate exceeds 50%, many cities at home and abroad make their efforts to climate change, said Yang Yongchuan, Deputy Dean of the College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University. 

China’s "3060" carbon target is one clear example that mirrors the country’s ambition in climate change, which is committed to hitting peak emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. "3060" refers to China's dual promise to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and be completely carbon neutral by 2060.

China will accelerate the low-carbon transition in key areas and vigorously push the synergy of pollution reduction and carbon cut to achieve the goals, CGTN reports.

Yang also revealed that the industrial upgrading and transformation brought by China’s "3060" target are very important. 

He said as the new energy consumption decreased gradually, the industry is undergoing a market revolution that will generate some emerging industries, which is an ample opportunity for economic development. 

From the current international perspective, Yang raised some representative cases that take the lead in adapting to climate change. 

For instance, Copenhagen proposes to build the most livable city following Copenhagen’s climate adaptation plan, while London offers to build the greenest city in the world. 

Take Copenhagen as an example. The international lifestyle and global affairs magazine, Monocle, highlights Copenhagen’s bicycle and walking infrastructure, which has resulted in cleaner air and reduced ingestion combined with an expanding metro. 

The magazine also mentions Denmark’s efforts toward carbon neutrality, exciting new restaurant openings, safety, and the thriving culture in Copenhagen.

“Many countries and cities have developed and implemented climate adaptation actions to improve their resilience to extreme weather and long-term climate change, which is a major transformation of social life,” said Yang.