BRI to pave technical pathways to decarbonization

China is playing a significant leading role in the global decarbonization campaign in which the Belt and Road Initiative will provide technical implementation solutions, said Tony Verb, co-founder of Singapore-based Zero Carbon Asia, in an interview at "The Belt and Road: Investing in China and Converging Thought" event.

Verb said that China's efforts in global decarbonization are crucial. Anyone concerned about green technology, green solutions, and the development of green economic transformation will be interested in China's carbon neutrality goals, which serve as a starting point for other countries in the region, Asian countries, and many developing countries to follow. It is not feasible to achieve industrial decarbonization and Asian decarbonization without China's leadership. When discussing decarbonization, energy efficiency is very important, and creating clean energy solutions is even more important. China's leadership in this regard has led them to decide to produce a large number of solar panels in China, and they are very positive about China continuing down this path.

"To be frank, I have been living in China for more than ten years. The development of Shenzhen is incredible. When I saw that the electrification rate of taxis and buses in Shenzhen reached 100 percent, I was enlightened, because I realized that no city in the world has a fully electrified public transportation system. Shenzhen, a city that was unknown twenty or thirty years ago, has now become a global leader in decarbonizing public transportation, which is truly inspiring. Whenever people around the world ask me for an important example of decarbonization, I always tell them this example, which inspires me and still inspires others," Verb said.

Verb said that the Belt and Road Initiative enables China to establish more trust with countries along the Belt and Road and other countries around the world, which is why there are now more opportunities for decarbonization, cross-border investment, and technology transfer. China has become one of the largest markets in the world, and many people are willing to cooperate with China in decarbonization and energy efficiency. This is not only an opportunity for China, but also a huge opportunity for the whole world.

Verb emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative is very important for many countries along the Belt and Road. For many developing countries, their largest trading and industrial partners in the past, present, and possibly in the future are China. In terms of decarbonization, China may provide them with the new technological solutions or best practices they need. China not only has relevant policies but also a practical framework, which Verb believes is crucial for the market. For the world, the initiative is proposed under the background of green and decarbonization, which is crucial. It is positive for individuals, for China, and for the world.

"The Belt and Road: Investing in China and Converging Thought" themed event was organized by China Daily website and sponsored by China Internet Development Foundation.