China's First Carbon Neutrality Integrated Assessment Model Workshop Held at Peking University
On August 7, 2023, Peking University started its inaugural workshop for carbon neutrality integrated assessment models, with the support of Energy Foundation China (EF China). Its goal was to provide academic training in integrated assessment models, while also facilitating interdisciplinary exchanges among individuals from diverse backgrounds, inspiring innovative thinking on low carbon policies, and cultivating talents for China's carbon initiatives. Nearly 50 young scholars and students from over 30 leading Chinese and international universities were invited to attend the five-day workshop. Professor Dai Hancheng, the Department Head of Environmental Management at Peking University’s College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering opened the workshop. Deputy Dean Zhang Haibin of the Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Dean Liu Yong of the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and Director Liu Xin of EF China’s Environmental Management Program also gave their speeches at the small opening ceremony for the training.
With the support of EF China, Peking University starts its inaugural workshop for carbon neutrality integrated assessment models on August 7, 2023. Photo by Peking University
Professor Zhang emphasized the historic significance of China's dual carbon goals and the seismic transformation they bring. He said that carbon neutrality integrated assessment models should include both qualitative and quantitative analyses to support science-based decision-making.
Professor Zhang Haibin, Deputy Dean of Peking University’s Institute of Carbon Neutrality gives his speech on August 7, 2023. Photo by Peking University
Professor Liu spoke of his expectations for young scholars to use models in their basic research for decision-making support, emphasizing the necessity of clearly defining what models should accomplish and can achieve.
Professor Liu Yong, Dean of Peking University’s College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering gives his speech on August 7, 2023. Photo by Peking University
Liu Xin said that carbon strategies can help China overcome the resource constraints and meet the demand of its people for a better environment. It is important to clarify the relationship between carbon mitigation and economic growth, and use carbon actions as new drivers for development, according to him, who also encouraged young scholars to develop models for China and use them to address complex problems.
Liu Xin, Director of EF China’s Environmental Management Program, gives his speech on August 7, 2023. Screenshot by Peking University
At the opening ceremony, four keynote speakers introduced latest developments in climate models. They included Dr. Ou Yang from the U.S. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Dr. Li Shantong from the Development Research Center of the State Council, Professor Teng Fei from Tsinghua University’s Institute of Energy, Environment, and Economy, and Dr. Jiang Kejun from the Energy Research Institute of the Academy of Macroeconomic Research.
Dr. Li Shantong from the Development Research Center of China’s State Council introduces her organization’s computable general equilibrium model, also known as DRCCGE. Photo by Peking University
Professor Teng Fei from Tsinghua University’s Institute of Energy, Environment, and Economy presents developments and prospects of GHG social cost research. Photo by Peking University
Dr. Jiang Kejun from the Energy Research Institute of the Academy of Macroeconomic Research introduces the framework of the Integrated Policy Assessment Model for China. Photo by Peking University
During the following five days, participants were divided into two parallel model groups based on their preference: the Computable General Equilibrium group and the Technological Optimization group. The two groups each received tailored training led by Peking University's Laboratory of Energy and Environmental Economics and Policy. At the end, the participants used the Integrated Model of Energy, Environment, and Economy for Sustainable Development online platform to analyze and present their findings on regions, industries, and policies of interest.
Lecturers give model training from August 7 to 11, 2023. Photo by Peking University
Nearly 50 scholars and students attend group discussions and Q&A with lecturers from August 7 to 11, 2023. Photo by Peking University
Peking University plans to host this workshop annually during summer. The organizers also hope to invite more students and young scholars who are eager to apply integrated assessment models to carbon neutrality-related issues, and extend to topics such as how to build a new model from scratch.
