Hainan-California Climate Dialogue brings together discussion on crucial topics

The Hainan-California Climate Dialogue, which brought together representatives from China's Hainan province and the United States state of California on Friday in Haikou, facilitated in-depth discussions on crucial topics, such as "Climate Change and Environmental Protection" and "Green Transportation and new energy vehicle (NEV) and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV)".

Representatives from both sides shared their achievements, plans and challenges in such crucial areas of circular economy and methane emission reduction. This included insights into waste management and methane response, highlighting the innovative strategies and practices being implemented to address these pressing issues.

The focus on green transportation and new energy vehicles was also discussed, with representatives from both sides exchanging information on their accomplishments, future plans, and the hurdles they face in decarbonizing transportation. The deployment of new energy vehicles, the development of charging infrastructure, and the advancement of electric vehicle access technologies were among the key areas of discussion, showcasing the commitment of both regions to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.

The representatives from California emphasized the wealth of experience and practices that both California and Hainan have to offer each other. "In many ways, California leads in climate, and we're here because Hainan does as well," said California Secretary of Environmental Protection Yana Garcia-Gonzalez.

"Some of the areas of collaboration between Hainan and California include reaching our carbon neutrality targets, which are critical to reducing carbon pollution and also protecting people from the impacts of air pollution and air quality ... And we're also working on things like climate adaptation and nature-based solutions to make sure that we're protecting our water supply and protecting our water, enhancing biodiversity and protecting our species as we're getting toward achieving carbon neutrality," she added.

The ongoing cooperation in the field of climate change and green and low-carbon development showcases a commitment to leveraging each other's expertise for the greater good. The exchange of valuable experiences in methane emission reduction, carbon emission trading markets, and ecological restoration during the dialogue underscores the benefits of such collaboration.

Hainan's representatives said that the commitment to continuing regular communication with California and deepening cooperation in carbon reduction, pollution reduction, and air quality maintenance reflects a strong dedication to sustained collaboration and progress.

Both sides also discussed the "2024 Work Plan (Draft) of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation between Hainan and California" at the dialogue. It noted that this year, Hainan and California will center around six key priorities for further cooperation, including a seminar on new energy vehicles (NEV) and transportation decarbonization technology, a seminar on freight power replacement technology, and policy exchanges on building and electrical energy conservation, including carbon-embedded materials.

The MOU between Hainan and California was signed in August 2023. It outlined a few key areas of cooperation, including climate action and air quality, clean transportation, clean energy, clean technologies, and nature-based climate solutions.