The earlier a low-carbon economy is developed, the better

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Environmental experts: The earlier a low-carbon economy is developed, the better. Professor Zhang Kunmin, former deputy head of the Environmental Protection Administration and current vice president of the China Society for Sustainable Development, said at a recent conference that in China, the earlier a low-carbon economy is developed, the lower the costs and the greater the benefits. What is a low-carbon economy? Zhang Kunmin said, “It can be summarized in one sentence: an economy that uses low-carbon energy, zero-carbon energy, or decarbonization technologies.” ”By utilizing green energy sources such as solar, wind, nuclear, geothermal, and biomass energy, it is possible to achieve economic development with low energy consumption, low pollution, and low emissions; the goal is to make efficient use of energy, develop clean energy sources, and promote green GDP. “The broader context behind the concept of a \"low-carbon economy\" is the severe challenge posed by global warming to human survival and development. Zhang Kunmin believes that energy consumption in China will inevitably increase in the coming decades; the key lies in how to reduce carbon intensity and control the growth rate of carbon dioxide emissions. First, it is necessary to adjust the energy consumption structure and gradually reduce the proportion of coal consumption. Second, achieve clean production. At present, the most feasible and effective measure for reducing emissions is to adopt technologies such as clean production to improve energy efficiency; in particular, technologies for the clean use of coal will play a very important role. Energy efficiency technologies not only reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and improve cost-effectiveness, but they can also realize greater potential through technology transfer. Thirdly, activities such as afforestation, forest restoration, management of high-yield forests, logging management, forest fire prevention, and pest control can increase the carbon sequestration capacity of forests and reduce carbon emissions. Fourth, attach importance to the significant role of consumption behavior in energy conservation and emission reduction. Studies show that 30% of carbon dioxide is generated by residents’ daily activities and the economic activities needed to meet those needs. Without significantly reducing the standard of living, there is substantial room for saving energy in residents’ daily use. Zhang Kunmin said, “A low-carbon economy should be an integral part of a resource-conserving and environment-friendly society.” Its goal is not to reduce coal usage, but to lower carbon consumption per unit of GDP. In economically developed cities, through the adjustment of the industrial structure and the transformation of development models, a low-carbon economy will not slow down economic growth; rather, it will drive a new round of high economic growth, create more job opportunities, and improve living standards. ”