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International Commitments in Baoting

The recent Implementation and Action: Climate and Health International Conference held in Baoting, China, on December 15-16, 2024, marks a significant step towards enhancing global ecological and digital innovations aimed at sustainable development. Co-organized by the Ningyuan Institute for Climate and Sustainable Development and the Baoting County government, the event officially inaugurated the Green and Digital Innovation Zone between China and the EU, capturing a pivotal moment in addressing climate and health challenges through extensive international cooperation.

A Collaborative Effort

The conference drew a wide array of participants from international organizations, government agencies, academia, and the private sector, including key representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), EU Chamber of Commerce, Total Energies, Arup, and Peking University. Discussions centered around leveraging green and digital innovations to tackle issues related to climate resilience, public health, and economic development.

Key Insights from the Conference

Mr. Xie Zhenhua, China's first Special Envoy on Climate Change, emphasized the crucial need for innovative solutions that promote ecological transformation. He urged countries to deepen international cooperation on climate and health, advocating for sustainable development models, green energy transitions, mutual recognition of carbon standards, and innovative financing mechanisms.

In his pre-recorded address, Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, highlighted the potential impact of this initiative, aligning it with China's 14th Five-Year Plan and setting it as a model for resilience building applicable to various regions facing similar challenges. Beate Trankmann, UNDP Resident Representative in China, stressed the urgent need for innovative solutions to address the far-reaching effects of climate change, stating her hopes that the outcomes from Baoting would provide valuable insights for regions like Hainan and small island developing states.

Martin Taylor, WHO's representative in China, further illustrated the interrelation between climate and health, affirming WHO's commitment to support countries in building climate-resilient healthcare systems. He expressed enthusiasm about the establishment of the Baoting Green Digital Innovation Zone, aimed at creating public health systems equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change.

Local Government's Vision

The Hainan provincial authorities announced that Baoting County would serve as a key showcase for China’s ecological civilization initiatives. They outlined a clear carbon neutrality plan, aiming to peak carbon emissions by 2028 and achieve neutrality by 2040, potentially positioning Baoting as the first area in China to reach this goal. The Climate Adaptive City Innovation Lab (CITY LAB) will be established to pilot and implement innovative climate solutions across energy, buildings, transportation, and circular economy sectors.

Agreements and Initiatives

The conference also witnessed the signing of a Statement of Intent (SOI) between UNDP, Baoting County, CICETE, and Shenzhen Honghai Clean Technology Research Institute. This partnership aims to bolster sustainable development in the Green and Digital Innovation Zone while exploring resilience strategies for climate change impacts specifically tailored for island and coastal regions. Additionally, the conference announced key project collaborations between China and the EU, covering proactive health initiatives, carbon standard exchanges, green digital management platforms, and future endeavors focusing on sustainable community development amidst climate challenges.

Launch of the Climate Challenge Initiative

Finally, the event formally launched the Climate Challenge (Baoting Session), a global initiative that seeks innovative carbon neutrality solutions tailored to Baoting's unique environment. This initiative aims to mobilize international expertise to devise actionable solutions addressing climate change and health-related challenges.

In conclusion, the conference attendees underscored their commitment to tackling climate and health challenges through collaborative and innovative approaches, promising a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.