An Insightful Look into the Carbon Economics Salon Held in Shenzhen

On June 16, 2026, the Carbon Economics Salon took place at the Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS) in Shenzhen, marking a significant event in the ongoing dialogue about climate and trade in the Asia-Pacific region. This seminar attracted nearly a hundred scholars, decision-makers, and industry representatives, highlighting the rising challenges of intertwining climate policy with international trade practices.

Thematic Focus of the Seminar

Co-hosted by PHBS and the Carbon Neutrality Institute at Peking University, the event revolved around the theme "Breaking Green Barriers: Managing the Carbon Economy and Transforming International Trade Rules." The discussions centered on three interlinked challenges: unilateral trade measures relating to climate policy, the uneven development of carbon emission trading markets, and the increasing role of artificial intelligence in managing carbon emissions. These topics are set to be pivotal at the upcoming APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry scheduled for July 27-28, 2026, focusing on green transformation.

In the opening remarks, Piao Shilong, the Vice Dean of PHBS and the Carbon Neutrality Institute, along with Hai Wen, the Vice Chairman of the Peking University Council, stressed the urgent requirement for an inclusive global carbon emission management system. Wang Pengfei, a distinguished professor at Peking University and the Dean of PHBS, highlighted the need to strengthen carbon pricing mechanisms and market tools, setting a strong agenda for future discussions.

Contributions and Discussions

The seminar featured a keynote address from Thomas J. Sargent, the Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences from 2011. He urged participants to consider the uncertainties surrounding climate change as a motivation to invest early in green R&D, emission reductions, and forest conservation efforts. Jiang Kejun, a professor at HKUST in Guangzhou, pointed out the critical years of 2030-2035 for China’s energy transition, driven by swift advancements in renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Wu Dengsheng from Shenzhen University provided an overview of carbon emission economics research, revealing that China ranks second globally in terms of research output in this field. Two roundtable sessions addressed the proliferation of unilateral climate-related trade measures and their implications for justice in global trade, along with collaboration opportunities with Global South nations in carbon trading markets.

In the closing address, Zhang Haibin, another distinguished professor at Peking University, reiterated the necessity for ongoing dialogues among diverse disciplines. The seminar effectively showcased how trade principles, technology, and international coordination increasingly influence carbon emission management.

Building Future Collaborations

The Carbon Economics Salon fostered a platform for continued exchanges between PHBS and the Carbon Neutrality Institute regarding global climate governance and China’s dual carbon targets. As the APEC economies deepen their climate cooperation, these issues are poised to occupy a central role in forthcoming discussions. The implications of the seminar extend beyond immediate topics, laying a foundation for future collaborations that can influence policy shifts and market mechanisms in the realm of carbon emissions.

With the significance of climate and trade relationships growing ever more critical, forums like the Carbon Economics Salon pave the way for impactful conversations and innovative solutions in response to the global climate crisis.