Critical Discussions on Climate Trade Nexus at PHBS Carbon Economics Salon in Shenzhen

An Overview of the Carbon Economics Salon Held at PHBS in Shenzhen

In a significant gathering on June 16, 2026, nearly 100 scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders convened at the Carbon Economics Salon Series, hosted by Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS) in Shenzhen. The event arrived at a pivotal moment within the Asia-Pacific region, where the interplay between climate policies and international trade remains a pressing concern as the APEC Forestry Ministerial Meeting approaches.

This year's salon, themed "Breaking through Green Barriers: Carbon Economy Governance and the Reshaping of International Trade Rules," highlighted essential discussions surrounding the complexities of unilateral climate-related trade measures, the disparities in carbon market development across nations, and the increasingly crucial role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays in carbon governance strategies.

Opening Remarks and Keynote Addresses

The event began with opening remarks from distinguished attendees such as Piao Shilong, Vice President of Peking University and Dean of ICN-PKU, along with Hai Wen, Vice Chair of the PKU Council. They reflected upon the pressing need for an inclusive global carbon governance framework. The emphasis was not only on cooperative approaches but also on the importance of adopting stronger carbon pricing mechanisms and efficient market-based tools to facilitate a greener economy.

The keynote address was delivered by Thomas J. Sargent, the 2011 Nobel laureate in economics. He advocated for harnessing uncertainties associated with climate change to motivate earlier investments into green research and development (R&D), emissions reduction, and forest conservation initiatives. Adding to these insights, Jiang Kejun from HKUST outlined the significant timeframe from 2030 to 2035 as critical for China's energy transition; further advances in renewable energy and electric vehicles are expected to fuel this transition.

Wu Dengsheng, a professor from Shenzhen University, shared a comprehensive review of carbon economics literature, highlighting China’s second-place ranking globally in related academic publications. This information indicates a robust interest in and commitment to carbon economics research.

Roundtable Discussions

The salon featured two insightful roundtable sessions focused on two major themes. The first addressed the implications of unilateral climate measures on global trade equity, reflecting on how different countries approach climate actions and their effects on international trade relationships. The second session delved deep into the opportunities for carbon market cooperation, especially with emerging economies in the Global South, emphasizing the need for shared strategies and collaborative frameworks.

Zhang Haibin, a distinguished professor at PKU and Vice Dean of ICN-PKU, concluded the event by reaffirming the significance of multidisciplinary dialogue in navigating the transformative landscape of carbon governance.

Key Takeaways and Future Directions

The Carbon Economics Salon successfully spotlighted the necessity for integrated discussions around trade policies, technology, and international cooperation concerning carbon governance. It set the stage for continuing exchanges between PHBS and ICN-PKU regarding global climate governance strategies and China's dual carbon goals, particularly as APEC economies are prepared to explore these themes more deeply amid their climate cooperation sessions.

As discussions progress in the lead-up to the APEC meetings, the ideas and solutions proposed during this salon are expected to be instrumental in shaping future policies aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the climate-trade nexus. Overall, the event underscored not just the urgency of climate action but also the collaborative spirit necessary for tackling these global challenges effectively.