To deepen understanding of regional green, low-carbon development practices and advance China’s Dual Carbon Goals, while facilitating international cooperation on climate and sustainability, Mr. Xie Zhenhua—former China Special Envoy for Climate Change and former Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)—led an expert delegation to Changdao, Yantai, Shandong Province from June 3-6, 2025. The delegation conducted field survey on zero-carbon island development, with members including: Xu Huaqing, Chief Scientist at National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC); Li Zheng, Dean of Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Tsinghua University; Xu Guang, Chairman of China Environmental Protection Foundation (CEPF); Wang Zhengang, Deputy Secretary-General of CEPF; Fang Zhi, Fund Liaison Officer.
Under the direct guidance of Mr. Xie, the team undertook intensive site inspections at key zero-carbon projects across Changdao, including: Changdao Marine Ecological Civilization Exhibition Hall, Zero-carbon Upgrading Facility of Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, Demonstration Zone for Island New Power Systems, Jinghai Marine Ranch Pilot Area, Sunjia Village Zero-carbon Community, and visited multiple enterprises engaged in zero-carbon island and clean energy infrastructure. The delegation also held consultations with Yantai Municipal Government, gaining substantial insights through the tightly scheduled yet highly productive agenda.
During the visit to Changdao Marine Ecological Civilization Exhibition Hall, the expert team gained in-depth understanding of Changdao’s achievements and plans in constructing an ecological civilization, particularly in marine ecological conservation, green energy utilization, and regulatory framework establishment. Through multimedia displays and physical models, the exhibition hall vividly showcased Changdao’s recent journey in green and sustainable development. This included its efforts to optimize and upgrade the island’s energy structure through the utilization of diverse renewable energy sources and the intelligent, safe transformation of its power systems. It also featured dedicated exhibits on the work being done towards building Changdao as a zero-carbon island.
At the site of the South Changdao Wastewater Treatment Plant’s zero-carbon renovation project, the research team inquired in detail about the application of zero-carbon technologies. This encompassed energy recovery and reuse during the wastewater treatment process and the optimization of low-carbon treatment techniques. The team provided suggestions for further improvements.
The team traveled to the Jinghai Marine Ranch Pilot Area to investigate aspects such as low-carbon deep-sea cage aquaculture. They gained a thorough understanding of the positive role played by deep-sea aquaculture and clean energy technology in promoting the green, low-carbon, and sustainable development of marine fisheries and advancing marine ecological conservation.
As a key stop on the research tour, Sunjia Village Zero-Carbon Community showcased the community’s explorations and practices in coastal ecological protection and restoration, zero-carbon fisheries, zero-carbon tourism, green transportation, and waste sorting and recycling. The team commended the community residents for their active participation in ecological environment protection and restoration, building a green, zero-carbon community, and collectively driving the community’s green transformation.
The team also visited several enterprises participating in the zero-carbon island construction initiative, gaining deep insights into their progress and achievements in areas like clean energy technology R&D, product innovation, and market expansion. The active involvement of these enterprises has injected vitality and momentum into Changdao’s zero-carbon island development and the establishment of the International Zero-Carbon Islands Alliance.
During a symposium with the Yantai Municipal Government, Mayor Zheng Deyan introduced the progress of Changdao’s zero-carbon island construction and the preparations for the “International Zero-Carbon Islands Alliance”. He stated that as the initiator of the Alliance, Changdao had encountered some challenges and difficulties, and earnestly requested valuable opinions and suggestions from Mr. Xie Zhenhua and the expert team.
Mr. Xie first fully affirmed the work done by the Yantai Municipal Government in building the zero-carbon island and preparing for the International Zero-Carbon Islands Alliance. He indicated that this work could already present a relatively good report at the COP30 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). However, he emphasized the need to strengthen communication and reporting to the State Council and relevant ministries while further solidifying the work to ensure the sustained and smooth operation of both the zero-carbon island initiative and the Alliance. Secondly, focus on the core task of “reducing emissions and increasing carbon sinks”. The most crucial aspect of emission reduction is the construction and rational, intelligent utilization of clean energy, which is also the most important and urgent task for Changdao’s zero-carbon island development. Thirdly, further enhance climate adaptation efforts. Finally, establish a dedicated project under the Zhenhua Fund to support zero-carbon island construction and related work.
Mr. Xie expressed his expectation that in the next phase, the zero-carbon island development would build upon the existing eight application scenarios, focusing more intensely on green energy construction. He suggested selecting representative demonstration projects to facilitate exchanges and cooperation on such projects with small island nations globally. He also called for increased promotional efforts in significant domestic and international forums to achieve multiple benefits. Mr. Xie Zhenhua provided positive responses and suggestions regarding other issues and requests raised by the Yantai representatives. Other participating experts also offered their opinions and suggestions.
Finally, Mr. Xie Zhenhua stressed that zero-carbon island construction is not merely an environmental protection project, but a crucial lever for driving the comprehensive green transition of the local economy and society. He encouraged the Yantai Municipal Government to continue advancing the implementation of the International Zero-Carbon Islands Cooperation Organization, explore more innovative models and practical pathways, and provide “Chinese Wisdom” and the “Changdao Model” for the sustainable development of island nations worldwide.
