Exploring Climate Trade Relations at the Carbon Economics Salon in Shenzhen

Carbon Economics Salon Highlights

On June 16, 2026, the Carbon Economics Salon took place at the Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS) in Shenzhen, attracting nearly 100 scholars, policymakers, and industry representatives. The event focused on the crucial relationship between climate and trade, which has emerged as a significant challenge for the Asia-Pacific region.

Theme and Objectives

Under the theme "Breaking Green Barriers: Governance of the Carbon Economy and Reconfiguring International Trade Rules", the salon aimed to explore interconnected challenges such as unilateral climate-related trade measures, the uneven development of carbon markets, and the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in carbon governance. These discussions are especially timely as they align with the upcoming APEC Ministerial Forestry Meeting scheduled for July 27-28, where green transition will be a focal point.

Keynote Speakers

The salon featured prominent figures, including Piao Shilong, Vice President of Peking University and Dean of the Institute for Carbon Neutrality (ICN-PKU), and Hai Wen, Vice President of the Peking University Council and founding Dean of PHBS. They emphasized the urgency of establishing an inclusive global carbon governance system.

Wang Pengfei, a distinguished Boya Professor at Peking University and Dean of PHBS, advocated for stronger carbon pricing mechanisms and market-based instruments to drive sustainability efforts.

Notable Presentations

A highlight of the session was the contribution of Thomas J. Sargent, Nobel Laureate in Economics 2011 and Honorary Director of the Sargent Institute of Quantitative Economics and Finance at PHBS. Sargent noted that uncertainty could motivate early investments in green R&D, emission reductions, and forest conservation. Jiang Kejun, a leading professor at HKUST (Guangzhou), pinpointed the 2030-2035 period as critical for China's energy transition, fueled by the rapid growth of renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Wu Dengsheng, a faculty member at Shenzhen University, presented research underscoring that China ranks second globally in carbon economics publications.

Roundtable Discussions

Two roundtable discussions delved into the implications of unilateral climate measures for global trade equity and explored cooperation in carbon markets with the Global South. Zhang Haibin, a distinguished Boya Professor at Peking University and Vice Dean of ICN-PKU, delivered the closing remarks, reinforcing the importance of continuous interdisciplinary dialogue.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Carbon Economics Salon underscored the increasing impact of trade norms, technology, and international coordination on carbon governance. It also initiated a dialogue that will likely continue between PHBS and ICN-PKU, addressing global climate governance and China’s dual carbon goals. As APEC economies deepen their climate cooperation, the significance of these discussions will only grow, paving the way for innovative approaches to tackle the urgent climate trade nexus.

In conclusion, this event not only highlighted the academic and policy aspects of carbon economics but also set the stage for future synergy between stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable growth amidst changing climate dynamics.