#China #Shenzhen #Asia-Pacific #PHBS #Carbon Economy

Understanding the Carbon Economy: Key Takeaways from PHBS Salon

On June 16, 2026, the Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS) hosted a significant salon dedicated to the intricacies of carbon economy, gathering nearly 100 scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders in Shenzhen. This critical discourse emphasized the essential relationship between climate and trade, which is increasingly recognized as a vital challenge for the Asia-Pacific region.

The salon's theme, "Overcoming Green Barriers - Managing Carbon Economy and Changing International Trade Rules," served as a platform for deep discussions on pressing global issues. This event preceded the upcoming APEC ministers' meeting on forestry, highlighting the importance of green transitions that will be discussed there.

The Critical Role of Inclusive Carbon Management

During the opening remarks, Piao Shilong, Vice President of Peking University (PKU) and Dean of the Institute of Carbon Neutrality (ICN-PKU), and Hai Wen, Vice Chairman of PKU and Founding Dean of PHBS, stressed the urgent need for an inclusive global carbon management system. Their calls for action were echoed by Wang Pengfei, a distinguished professor at PKU and Dean of PHBS, who advocated for stronger carbon pricing mechanisms and market tools to enhance carbon management globally.

Urgency in Green Investments and Legislative Frameworks

A highlight of the salon was the key address by Thomas J. Sargent, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and Honorary Director of the Sargent Institute of Quantitative Economics and Finance at PHBS. He emphasized the necessity for early investments in green R&D to mitigate uncertainties related to climate change, urging for a focus on emission reductions and forest conservation.

Also, Jiang Kejun, from HKUST, pinpointed the years 2030 to 2035 as a critical window for China’s energy transition, spurred by the rapid development of renewable energy and electric vehicles. Wu Dengsheng, a professor at Shenzhen University, provided a comprehensive overview of carbon economy research, showcasing China’s significant position as the second-largest global contributor to publications in this field.

Roundtable Discussions on Market Cooperation

The salon featured two illuminating roundtable sessions. The first focused on unilateral climate measures and their implications for equity in global trade, while the second explored market cooperation with the Global South regarding carbon emissions. Zhang Haibin, a distinguished professor at PKU and Vice Dean of ICN-PKU, closed the discussions by reaffirming the importance of continued interdisciplinary dialogue on carbon management.

The event clearly illustrated how carbon governance is intricately tied to trade regulations, technological advancements, and international cooperation. It opened pathways for ongoing exchanges between PHBS and ICN-PKU, reflecting the global climate management efforts and China's 'dual carbon' goals. As climate issues gain urgency, such collaborative environments will be crucial in fostering shared understanding and strategies among APEC countries, especially as they navigate the complexities of trade and environmental sustainability.

Future Directions

As the world grapples with climate change, the insights gained from this salon serve as a stepping stone towards more integrated approaches to managing carbon economies. With the APEC forum on the horizon, these discussions set the stage for how nations can effectively bridge climate policy and trade objectives. The outcome of these dialogues could influence policies that ensure not only economic growth but also a sustainable future for generations to come.