Exploring Climate-Trade Dynamics at the Carbon Economics Salon in Shenzhen

Spotlight on Carbon Economics

On June 16, 2026, Shenzhen hosted a significant assembly dubbed the Carbon Economics Salon, which convened nearly a hundred scholars, policymakers, and industry advocates. This event, organized by Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS) and the Institute of Carbon Neutrality at Peking University, was timely, as it preceded the APEC Forestry Ministerial Meeting scheduled for July 27-28. During this meeting, the transition to a greener economy is poised to take center stage, making the discussions held at the salon particularly relevant.

Key Themes and Urgent Discussions

The salon, under the theme "Breaking through Green Barriers: Carbon Economy Governance and the Reshaping of International Trade Rules," engaged participants in addressing interconnected challenges pertaining to climate-related trade. These discussions emphasized three core issues: the impact of unilateral climate measures on trade, the uneven development of carbon markets around the globe, and the essential role of artificial intelligence in carbon governance.

During the opening remarks, Piao Shilong, vice president of Peking University and dean of the Institute of Carbon Neutrality, underlined the pressing need for an inclusive global carbon governance framework. He was joined by Hai Wen, vice chair of the PKU Council, who called attention to the current climate crisis and the necessity for collaborative international responses.

Wang Pengfei, a distinguished professor, reiterated the call for robust carbon pricing mechanisms and innovative market-based tools that can facilitate this transition. Their remarks set the groundwork for further discussions throughout the salon.

Insights from Leading Economists

The keynote address was delivered by Thomas J. Sargent, winner of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Economics. Sargent's emphasis was on the importance of early investments in green research and development. He noted that economic uncertainty regarding climate change should motivate investors to support emissions reduction initiatives and forest conservation efforts.

Adding to the conversation, Jiang Kejun of HKUST (Guangzhou) pinpointed years 2030 to 2035 as a pivotal period for China's energy transition. His review highlighted rapid advancements in renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors, which are becoming critical drivers for sustainable development. Wu Dengsheng from Shenzhen University further analyzed the current state of carbon economics research, revealing that China ranks second globally in the volume of carbon economics publications, showcasing the country's active involvement in this vital field.

Rounds of Dialogue and Future Directions

The salon facilitated two roundtable discussions focused on unilateral climate measures and their impact on global trade equity. Moreover, these conversations extended to carbon market cooperation with the Global South, highlighting the critical need for inclusive dialogue across various regions and economies.

Zhang Haibin, another distinguished scholar at PKU, delivered closing remarks that reaffirmed the significance of cross-disciplinary dialogue on carbon governance. This reinforces the idea that international cooperation is essential for tackling climate change, as trade, technology, and governance will increasingly intertwine in shaping future policies.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Global Collaboration

The Carbon Economics Salon has undoubtedly elevated the discourse around the governance of carbon emissions and the complexities surrounding international trade. It serves as a reminder of the urgency for concerted efforts toward establishing a globally cohesive carbon governance system. With the APEC meeting drawing near, the dialogues commenced at this salon are expected to inform future discussions as member economies seek effective solutions for climate cooperation and sustainability goals.

The event not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also strengthened ties between PHBS and ICN-PKU on efforts regarding global climate governance—all pivotal as we strive towards achieving China's dual carbon goals and an environmentally sustainable future.