Energy system transformation is critical to achieving carbon peak and carbon neutral goals

Original source: Economic Information Daily

Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality have become hot topics of concern to the whole society.

The seminar was jointly organized by the Institute of Ecological Civilization of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the National Climate Center of the China Meteorological Administration, and the People's Daily Press.

Recognizing the urgency of climate change

In September 2020, China proposed that carbon dioxide emissions should reach the peak before 2030, and strive to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2060.

The ninth meeting of the Central Finance and Economics Committee held in March this year proposed that my country strives to achieve carbon peaks by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.

As a responsible major country, China has continuously improved its goals in tackling climate change and has also made positive contributions to the global response to climate change.

Experts at the conference believed that carbon peaking and carbon neutrality cover a wide range of fields, from climate change science to policy actions to address climate change, from energy, construction, transportation and other sectors to individual consumers.

Zhai Panmao, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, believes that the green and low-carbon targets are of great significance to reducing climate risks.

　　“Responding to climate change is a matter for all mankind, and now everyone’s per capita emissions are very large.

　　Many experts emphasized that it is very important to recognize the urgency and necessity of climate change.

　　Energy system transformation is imperative

　　my country's energy structure is dominated by high-carbon fossil energy, which accounts for about 85%.

　　Zhou Dadi, vice chairman of the China Energy Research Society, proposed at the meeting that the transformation of the energy system is crucial to achieving the goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality.

　　Zhou Dadi believes that low-carbon energy means a systematic transformation from the supply side to the consumer side.

　　Chao Qingchen, deputy director of the National Climate Center, believes that in the context of climate change, the intensity and frequency of extreme events will increase and increase in the future, which will have a great impact on the stable and safe operation of the new energy system.

　　It is necessary to improve public scientific awareness

　　Experts pointed out that carbon peaking and carbon neutrality have attracted much attention, but they are a "new thing" for the public.

　　Chen Ying, a researcher at the Institute of Ecological Civilization of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, for example, said that at present, governments at all levels attach great importance to the formulation of carbon peaking plans.

　　Some experts believe that during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period and even a long period, if the growth of fossil energy cannot be curbed, it will exert tremendous pressure on carbon peaks.

　　In addition, Zhou Dadi reminded that in the development of new energy, local governments must systematically plan, give full play to the advantages of our system, and carry out the optimal layout.
If local governments act independently, it may cause duplication and waste of related industries.

　　In addition to the change in the ideology of leading cadres, the change in public consumption behavior is also an important way to achieve carbon peaks and carbon neutrality.

　　Zhang Yongsheng, director of the Institute of Ecological Civilization of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, believes that global carbon neutrality represents the end of the traditional industrial era and the opening of the era of green development, representing huge opportunities and challenges.
The first obstacle we have to solve is the public's inadequate understanding of carbon neutrality.

　　For example, Chen Ying said that the general public often has some deviations in their understanding.
Some people think that since they can naturally absorb 50% of carbon dioxide and reduce half of the carbon dioxide emissions can achieve "neutralization", why emphasize zero carbon emissions? This involves the accounting of carbon sinks and needs to be further clarified.
Strengthening ecological protection and enhancing natural carbon sinks is an important way, and another important way is to increase carbon sinks through artificial technological means.
I believe that new technologies will continue to emerge in the future, which will provide a very important channel for carbon neutrality.

　　"When mobilizing the whole society, we should not ignore the significance of changes in consumption patterns and consumer behavior.
" Chen Ying said that tackling climate change requires not only government and corporate actions, but also consumers in daily life such as clothing, food, housing, and transportation.
The link discovers the potential for emission reduction and takes action to contribute to the realization of carbon peak and carbon neutrality.