The impact of climate change has forced the net-zero transformation to accelerate. The Ministry of Environment, together with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, held the "115-Year University Sustainability Seminar" today (7th), attracting responses from 113 universities, and statistics show that 99 universities have established sustainability philanthropists. Through experience sharing, it will promote green energy upgrades, expand campus solar photovoltaics, carbon inventory, increase green spaces, tree planting information systems, etc., to accelerate the new engine of net-zero transformation in colleges and universities.
Environment Minister Peng Qiming said that promoting net-zero transformation and circular economy of enterprises emphasizes "real carbon reduction" rather than making a fuss. The public sector has also promoted the sustainable long-term system, which has achieved good results. Even the Ministry of National Defense has begun to launch net-zero. The Ministry of Environment and universities have formed a partnership, calling on all schools to establish permanent long-term systems. Xinchang will break down administrative and academic barriers and will work with the Ministry of Education to promote all-round carbon inventory, in-depth energy conservation, green procurement and expansion of solar photovoltaics, as well as combine environmental education with the cultivation of green-collar talents. If there are a large number of carbon reduction actions in the future, priority subsidies can be given, but we are reminded not to "greenwash".
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Deputy Minister of Education Liu Guowei also said that 99 universities have established sustainability departments, accounting for about 80% of the total. This is a sign of excellence. He once asked teachers what they think is the largest carbon emission in universities? It was found that computers and air conditioners in many units in academia do not turn off even when not in use or when people leave. "This is a matter of habit!" In the future, rewards and punishments will be given; he also mentioned afforestation. More than 3,600 primary and secondary schools have 786,000 trees, each with a QR code for tree planting. In the future, it will also be promoted in universities in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment to expand the scale.
Regarding the climate adaptation issue of Aboriginal people, Peng Qiming also responded that in the future, the concept of biocarbon will be integrated to allow Aboriginal people to obtain forest carbon sinks through actual maintenance of forests, participation in restoration or tree planting, etc., and also increase Aboriginal participation in climate change, and include Aboriginal power. For example, many Aboriginal concepts are in line with climate sustainability and adaptation, but have been ignored in the past. At the same time, resources will also be used to compensate Aboriginal people for climate impacts.
Regarding turning campus walls into green hedges, Peng Qiming believes that removing the walls will help increase the space for trees to grow. Some primary and secondary schools or colleges already have green fences, making the campus more comfortable. However, early communication is time-consuming. For example, parents are worried about whether the green fences will be invaded by others. The Ministry of Education needs to spread correct ideas. Liu Guowei also said that if campus trees are planted well, they can also spread outward to achieve urban forest benefits, and they will work with the Ministry of Environment.
