Research Center Set for Carbon Neutrality Strategy

A ceremony occurring in October at the Institutes of Science and Development,Chinese Academy of Sciences(CASISD) marks the launch of a research center focusing on issues of strategic importance concerning carbon neutrality and carbon peaking of China, when the country is striving to have its CO2emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The ceremony also releases theChina Sustainable Development Report 2020 – Exploring Pathways towards Carbon Neutrality, as the latest outcome of an important report serial of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, theChina Sustainable Development Report.

Named Center for Carbon Neutrality Strategy, the new entity aims to pool the research forces within and beyond CASISD to address major strategic issues and key science problems, and provide advice and suggestions for decision makers. Research themes listed in its agenda include strategic approaches, institutions and policies, technical innovations, pilot demonstrations, global climate governance, and theories, methodologies and data platform towards/for carbon neutrality and carbon peaking. The researchers are set to conduct theoretical explorations via transdisciplinary research and decision-making consultancy across different areas, to support and serve the policy-making and strategy mapping by national and ministerial authorities, local governments of different levels, enterprises and industries.

CASISD is a think-tank supporting the Academic Divisions of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASAD) to play its role as China’s highest advisory body in science and technology. It has long been working in policy and management studies for sustainable development, green transition, circular economy, and carbon management. In the newly releasedReport, the researchers analyze the external challenges and opportunities faced by China in its transition to the green, low-carbon development track and the cause to achieve carbon neutrality, and put forward a general philosophy, overall pathway, and major measures towards the goals of carbon neutrality and carbon peaking set by the country.