The 2025 Hong Kong Climate Forum commenced this morning, co-organized by the Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality (ICCN) at the University of Hong Kong and the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The two-day conference aims to bring together prominent figures from government, academia, and the business sector to address the pressing issues tied to climate change, focusing on innovative strategies and measures for mitigation. As global warming continues to raise alarming consequences for ecosystems and human societies, platforms like this forum become pivotal in nurturing global dialogue, collaboration, and action.
In his opening remarks, Mr. XIA Yingxian, the Director General of the Department of Climate Change at the National Ministry of Ecology and Environment, elaborated on China’s significant strides toward carbon management. He emphasized that the nation has established a robust regulatory framework for carbon emissions trading, having completed its first batch of voluntary emissions reduction registrations that effectively oversee over 60% of the country’s total carbon emissions. His affirmation underscores a pivotal national commitment to climate responsibility while setting a benchmark for international cooperation in carbon emissions governance.
Mr. XIA articulated that Hong Kong serves as a crucial conduit between mainland China and the global market. He pointed out that with its sophisticated financial infrastructure and regulatory framework, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to enhance international collaboration within carbon markets. The emphasis on leveraging advanced international practices, coupled with sharing China’s success stories, signifies a strategic approach to integrating Hong Kong within the broader national carbon market development. His comments resonated with a clarion call to realize the dual carbon goals that the nation has set.
At the forum, Mr. TSE Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology, shed light on the Hong Kong government’s ongoing initiatives aimed at safeguarding environmental integrity and adapting to climate variability. He also highlighted the dynamic interplay between artificial intelligence (AI), big data, green technology, and climate finance. Mr. TSE’s remarks laid bare the industrial repercussions of climate change, aptly summarizing the balance between economic growth and ecological conservation. He noted that while industrialization has ushered in unprecedented improvements in human livelihoods, it has concurrently disrupted the Earth’s delicate ecological equilibrium.
Mr. TSE encapsulated the essence of the forum’s mission by underscoring the necessity of embracing carbon neutrality as an imperative challenge. His appeal to “work together to build a new ecological civilization” resonates deeply, calling for unified action across sectors to foster a sustainable future for generations to come. The insights shared at the forum echo a lighthouse of hope amid the tumultuous waters of climate uncertainty, showcasing collaborative resilience as a pivotal element towards meaningful change.
In the inaugural discussions, Professor ZHANG Xiang, President of the University of Hong Kong, articulated the critical need for heightened collaboration among research institutions globally. His sentiments pivot around innovation in green technology as a crucial pathway to mitigate climate impacts. He asserted that as the impacts of climate disruption intensify, there emerges an unparalleled opportunity to reimagine our future through scientific inquiry, informed policy-making, and concerted collective action. The discussions not only highlight local issues but also frame them within the global context—a unifying narrative that links regional actors to a worldwide call for action against climate change.
The thematic discussions at the forum ranged widely, covering topics such as “Global Carbon Markets and Hong Kong’s Opportunities” and “Bridging the Finance Gap: Hong Kong’s Role in Supporting Energy Transition of the Global South.” Such topics underscore the significance of transitioning to a green, low-carbon economy as a necessity rather than a choice. The inevitable convergence of various sectors towards a sustainable operational paradigm was a recurring theme among experts who participated in these discussions. They concurred that accelerating global action is imperative to drive a comprehensive green transformation that not only addresses the pressing climate challenges but also unlocks vast economic potential for regional actors.
As the first day of the forum unfolded, professional insights and practical solutions took center stage, fostering an environment conducive for idea exchange. These initial discussions set a robust foundation for the following day’s sessions where Mr. Paul CHAN, Financial Secretary for the HKSAR Government, is set to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and green technology in his keynote presentation. Expected to delve into how AI can catalyze the development of green technology, Mr. Chan’s address is eagerly anticipated as a synthesis of innovation and practical application within the realm of sustainability.
Professor GONG Peng, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) at the University of Hong Kong, will join Mr. Chan alongside a cohort of esteemed experts from academia and industry to unearth the latest advancements in energy-saving and emission-reducing technologies. The discussions will likely revolve around the mechanisms by which renewable energy solutions can be integrated into existing frameworks, signaling a dual focus on technological innovation and sustainable practices. This dialogue indicates a collective commitment to exploring not just theoretical frameworks but practical, actionable solutions addressing today’s environmental exigencies.
The ongoing discourse at the Hong Kong Climate Forum highlights the importance of creating synergistic relationships between various stakeholders to catalyze progress in climate action. As the second iteration of the event unfolds following its successful debut in April of last year, the continuity of this dialogue represents a crucial step towards regional and international collaboration. The inaugural forum focused prominently on “Greater Bay Area – Climate Action and Cooperation,” further illustrating a commitment to advance carbon neutrality goals and strengthen green finance initiatives throughout the region.
As climate action discussions continue to evolve, the invaluable contributions of institutions like the Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality resonate. The ICCN’s commitment to fostering climate science research positions it as a pivotal player in connecting Hong Kong with mainland China and neighbouring regions. By harnessing intellectual resources and facilitating innovative exchanges, the ICCN marks a crucial juncture in the global effort to confront climate challenges. The combination of local expertise and international collaboration embodies the realization of a vision for climate resilience and sustainability.
In sum, the 2025 Hong Kong Climate Forum stands as a testament to collective commitment toward a sustainable future in the face of climate urgency. The robust dialogues and multifaceted discussions enrich the narrative of climate collaboration, echoing a unified call for immediate and tangible action against climate change. The collaboration between governmental, academic, and industrial entities not only seeks to address current challenges but also aspires to realize a transformative vision for the future—one wherein ecological balance is restored, innovation flourishes, and every effort contributes towards a greener, brighter tomorrow.
Subject of Research: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Article Title: 2025 Hong Kong Climate Forum: Collaborating Towards a Sustainable Future
News Publication Date: March 25, 2025
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Image Credits: The University of Hong Kong
Keywords: Climate change, sustainable development, environmental conservation, green technology, carbon neutrality.
