Japan and China Enhance Climate Change Cooperation Through Expert Exchange Forum

Japan - Ekhbary News Agency

Japan and China Enhance Climate Change Cooperation Through Expert Exchange Forum

TOKYO, Japan – A high-level forum bringing together leading experts and specialists in climate change from Japan and China convened recently in the Japanese capital, Tokyo. This crucial meeting was organized by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, through its dedicated Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund. The event, held on June 3rd, saw substantial participation from prominent figures in the environmental, economic, and business sectors of both nations, underscoring the growing importance both countries place on addressing shared climate challenges.

The roster of speakers and attendees included distinguished individuals. Mr. Zhou Zhixing, Chairman of the Committee of 100 and Chairman of the US-China Perception Foundation, delivered an opening address. Mr. Yu Zhan, Director of the Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund, also spoke, highlighting the forum's objectives and strategic significance. The discussions featured a robust exchange of ideas from a select group of academics and experts, including Professor Zhang Xiliang, Director of the Institute of Energy, Environment and Economy at Tsinghua University; Mr. Ma Xianfeng, CEO of the China United SME Group; Mr. Chen Lei, Chairman of Beijing Boya Wisdom Technology Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Kenji Sano, Chief Representative of the RIKEN Beijing Representative Office. Additionally, over ten Chinese and Japanese experts and scholars participated, alongside relevant officials from the Japanese Ministry of the Environment.

The core of the discussions revolved around pivotal themes, including strategies for transitioning to a low-carbon economy – a global imperative demanding close cooperation among major economies like Japan and China. The forum also delved into exploring innovations and developments within carbon emission trading markets, economic instruments that have proven effective in incentivizing corporate reductions in their carbon footprints. Furthermore, experts engaged in discussions on the concepts and applications of digital carbon neutrality, examining the pivotal role digital technologies can play in achieving ambitious climate goals.

The sessions facilitated a dynamic exchange of insights and perspectives between Chinese and Japanese experts. They shared best practices and successful experiences in areas such as renewable energy, resource efficiency, and carbon capture and storage technologies. Participants emphasized that addressing climate change is not merely an environmental responsibility but also a significant economic and developmental opportunity requiring concerted international efforts. They noted that cooperation between Japan and China, as two major economic powerhouses in Asia and the world, could serve as a model for other nations striving for sustainable development.

The participating experts reached a broad consensus on the immense potential and promising opportunities presented by a Japan-China partnership in the transition towards a carbon-free society. They expressed their hope that the Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund would continue to organize such fruitful events, recognizing their vital role in fostering intellectual exchange and practical cooperation in green and low-carbon sectors. They stressed the importance of building mutual trust and continuously sharing knowledge and expertise to overcome obstacles and achieve common climate objectives.

This engagement marks the second occasion that the Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund has invited Chinese environmental experts to visit Japan. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral ties in a field critical to the future of upcoming generations. Enhancing dialogue and cooperation between Japan and China on climate change not only serves their bilateral interests but also significantly contributes to global endeavors aimed at mitigating global warming and achieving the targets set forth in the Paris Agreement.

Ekhbary News Agency