Background:
The global climate landscape stands at a critical juncture at the end of 2024. The COP29 conference builds upon previous achievements to reach an agreement of annually providing US$300 billion climate funding to developing countries. The return of a Trump administration to U.S. leadership presents potential shifts in America’s approach to climate commitments and international cooperation. This dynamic creates both challenges and opportunities. While some worry about potential setbacks to global climate goals, others see possibilities for accelerated action through state-level initiatives, private sector leadership, and regrouped international alliances. The forum will bring together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from the United States, Mainland China and Hong Kong to discuss how to maintain climate progress through alternative pathways, explore innovative financing mechanisms, and leverage technological advancements in renewable energy and carbon reduction. Special attention will be given to the roles of cities, businesses, and civil society organizations in driving climate solutions, as well as emerging opportunities in green technology, sustainable infrastructure, and climate resilience strategies.

Organizers:

• Professional Association for China’s Environment (PACE)
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK):
  –Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies (HKIAPS)
  –Social Responsibility & Sustainable Development Office (SRSDO)
  –Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability (IEES)
  –Department of Geography and Resource Management (GRM)
  –Office of University General Education
• Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong)
• Lakestone Institute for Sustainable Development (LISD)
• Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE)
• United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Hong Kong)

Venue (Mixed Mode):

• Offline venue: Sino Building (SB) | SB LT2 (GU/F), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
• ZOOM: Will receive the zoom link after registries.

Date: Friday, December 20th, 2024

Agenda (tentative)：
Moderator: Prof. Yuan Xu (President of PACE)
[Morning Session is entirely Online. Registered participants will receive ZOOM link]

09:00–9:15 Opening Remarks
US Perspectives: Trump and climate policies

09:15–10:15 Dr. Dale Evarts (Online)
Principal, Climate and Air Quality Solutions
Former Director, Climate and International Group at US EPA
Title: What is ahead for climate and clean energy cooperation in the new Trump administration?

10:15–11:15 Dr. Michael Gillenwater (Online)
Dean and Executive Director, Greenhouse Gas Management Institute, United States
Title: ESG, corporate commitments and policy targets

11:15–11:45 Panel Discussion

12:00–14:00 Lunch

[Afternoon Session is in a mixed mode. The ZOOM meeting room remains unchanged.]

Moderator: Prof. Yuan Xu (President of PACE)
14:00–14:05 Opening remarks and re-cap from the morning session
China Perspectives
14:05–15:05 Dr. Plato Yip (In person)
Chairperson, Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong)

15:05–16:05 Prof. Tao Hu (In person)
Guest Professor, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University
& Director, Lakestone Institute for Sustainable Development, China
Title: New Trends of COP Efforts for Reducing Methane Emission

16:05–17:05 Dr. Jun Ma (In person)
Director, Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE)
Title: The Blue Map for Green Transition

17:05–17:30 Panel Discussion and conclusion
Prof. Amos Tai
Prof. Tao Hu
Mr. Jun Ma

Registration: Please click the following link. After successful registration, the ZOOM meeting link will be sent to your registered email address.
https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/mycuform/view.php?id=2996417