On the morning of July 25, the “1st China-France Carbon Neutrality Summer School & 2024 CEADs Summer Camp” was launched in Harbin. Experts, scholars, and students from around the world gathered in this summer capital and Ice City to discuss and exchange ideas on carbon neutrality and carbon emission accounting.

The summer camp is co-organized by the Heilongjiang Overseas Friendship Association, China 21st Century Agenda Management Center, Tsinghua University, and HEU. Its goal is to foster scientific and technological cooperation between China and France in carbon neutrality, implement the dual-carbon target strategy, and cultivate international talent in carbon emission reduction. The event aims to prepare young professionals for China’s dual-carbon goals.

Attendees included XU Jianguo, member of the Standing Committee of the Heilongjiang Provincial Party Committee and President of the Heilongjiang Overseas Friendship Association; CHEN Ming, Deputy Director of the Department of Basic Research under the Ministry of Science and Technology; KE Bing, Deputy Director of the China 21st Century Agenda Management Center; and HE Kebin, Dean of the Institute for Carbon Neutrality at Tsinghua University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. HAN Duanfeng and ZHAO Yuxin, Vice Presidents of HEU, also spoke at the event.

ZHAO Yuxin highlighted HEU's active role in supporting the Chinese government's implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. He emphasized HEU’s focus on green shipbuilding and marine engineering to achieve carbon neutrality, aligning with China’s dual-carbon strategy. He expressed hope that the event would provide a platform for collaboration and innovation in carbon neutrality, laying the groundwork for future cooperation and contributing to the strategic goal of carbon neutrality.

That afternoon, the “China-France Carbon Neutrality Seminar” was held as part of the summer camp. Experts engaged in detailed discussions on low-carbon development paths and the advancement of the China-France Carbon Neutrality Center.

HAN Duanfeng spoke about the opportunities and challenges posed by the “2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships.” He noted that this strategy represents a significant area for carbon neutrality cooperation between China and France and emphasized HEU’s potential to contribute to green ship research and the broader field of China-France marine carbon neutrality.

Over 160 master’s and doctoral students from prestigious universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, the University of Chicago, Tsinghua University, and Peking University, along with outstanding students from global junior and senior high schools, participated in the event. They are dedicated to advancing green development and building a sustainable future.