Prof Xu Kuangdi, President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, advocates a restructuring of China’s energy regime to put greater emphasis on developing nuclear and renewable power.
Prof Xu was today invited by the Institute for Advanced Study of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to give a Distinguished Lecture on “Addressing Climate Change: Developing a Low-Carbon Economy in China”.
Prof Xu pointed out that China was in a period of rapid growth in terms of industrialization and urbanization. Unfortunately, the current coal-based energy regime has made China one of the world’s largest coal-emitting countries. From another perspective, however, China’s average per capita emission is still significantly lower than that of the developed countries. Hence, China’s responsibility for reducing carbon emission should be different from the developed countries.
He argued that as a first step towards becoming a low-carbon economy, China must implement measures conducive to energy-saving and reduction of carbon emission, and concurrently develop a recycling economy. Meanwhile, to perpetuate the low-carbon economy, the nation should develop advanced manufacturing technologies and capitalize the benefits of a well-integrated logistical network.
Prof Xu added that to lay the foundation of a low-carbon economy, the existing energy regime must be reformulated with focus on the development of nuclear power and renewable energy.
He stressed that to sustain a truly low-carbon society, the Government must advocate a low-carbon and energy saving lifestyle and the people must adhere to this lifestyle. He said that only with cooperation between the Government and the people can China become a low-carbon country.
Prof Xu pointed out that with China’s rapid development, pollution will inevitably increase. To put the situation under control, it is imperative that carbon emissions be reduced. On the other hand, China should further develop innovative and advanced technologies, such as actively exploring renewable energies, improving architectural designs, and developing intelligent technologies to improve the transport and medical systems.
Prof Xu’s talk enjoyed immense popularity among the HKUST community and even industry members and government officials, including Secretary for Environment the Hon Edward Yau. On top of a full-house audience in the lecture theater, the adjacent theater simultaneously telecasting the talk was also filled to the brim.
About Prof Xu Kuangdi
Prof Xu Kuangdi is a renowned expert in metallurgy. He had been Mayor of Shanghai, and Vice-Chairman of the 10th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Committee. In 1995, he was admitted to the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and became its President in 2002. He graduated from the Beijing University of Science and Technology in 1959, and later became a professor and PhD thesis supervisor. He has received numerous awards at national, provincial and ministerial level, and has over 50 articles in academic journals as well as 6 books to his credit.
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