The 2024 Beijing International Forum for Metropolitan Clean Air and Climate took place on 14 and 15 September 2024 in Beijing, China. With the theme of “Technological Innovation Leads Clean Air and Climate Action”, this forum played a crucial role in fostering dialogue and sharing best practices among international metropolises in tackling air pollution, addressing climate change, and implementing effective measures.

As a committed partner of the forum, the ICLEI East Asia Secretariat extended invitations to representatives from the ICLEI World Secretariat, ICLEI USA Office, Ulaanbaatar city from Mongolia, Turku city from Finland, Glasgow city from the UK, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), and the German Energy Agency to share their valuable insights. ICLEI is dedicated to supporting the implementation of the Green Beijing strategy, and promote high-quality development of the capital of China by actively seeking knowledge from other cities.

2024 Beijing International Metropolitan Clean Air and Climate Forum Guest Group Photo

 

In the forum’s opening session titled “Hot Topics and Perspectives,” Mr. Gino Van Begin, Global Secretary General of ICLEI, delivered a speech entitled “Achieving Global Sustainability Through Local Action.” He emphasized the urgent need to integrate resilience development into global sustainability efforts, given the increasing frequency of severe climate change-related natural disasters worldwide.

“We must urgently respond to climate action plans and implement more risk prevention measures in urban planning and municipal operations.” Van Begin said, and he called for sustainable urban development that relies on building urban development systems and promoting local economies through the use of reusable, recyclable, renewable, or zero-waste resources.

Additionally, Van Begin underscored ICLEI’s crucial role in promoting global energy efficiency, biodiversity, and equitable resource distribution. He urged collaborative efforts from all parties to integrate sustainability principles into urban planning, with the aim of fostering resilient development and cultivating livable cities.

Mr. Gino Van Begin, Global Secretary General of ICLEI, shares insights on global urban development trends and outlooks

 

In the keynote report on “Research and Application,” Matthew Katz, a senior program officer from ICLEI’s U.S. office, highlighted the impactful collaboration between ICLEI and ClimateView in enhancing climate action planning for local governments in the U.S. Through this partnership, ICLEI’s ClearPath tool is integrated with Google’s Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE) technology, empowering local governments with actionable data on emissions and solar potential. Cities like Olympia, Washington, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, are leveraging EIE to devise effective strategies for achieving zero and net-zero emissions targets. This innovative initiative not only offers a scientific basis for urban sustainability but also contributes positively to climate change mitigation.

ICLEI USA collaborates with EIE to support local government climate actions

 

Dr. Sandeep Kodoli from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow presented a project called “Glasgow Indoor and Outdoor Environmental Monitoring” project. The project focuses on the use of high-density sensors to model greenhouse gasses for air quality monitoring. The city of Glasgow has set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, and this project employs advanced modeling techniques to gain a better understanding of the city’s emission patterns, with the aim of providing scientific support for climate change mitigation. Additionally, the project involves close collaboration with local public organizations to conduct meaningful community activities.

The “Glasgow Indoor and Outdoor Environmental Monitoring” project team shares insights

 

In the “Actions and Demonstrations” session, Mr. Risto Veivo, Climate Director of Turku, Finland, emphasized the city’s impressive strides in addressing climate change over the past 15 years. Turku is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2029 and set ambitious goals to become a proactive city in addressing climate issues, promoting sustainable resource use, and enhancing biodiversity. The city’s climate policy focuses on energy and transportation, with an emphasis on encouraging community engagement and sustainable lifestyles, while garnering      support from local businesses and youth organizations. Since 1990, the city has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 63% and allocated nearly €3 billion for climate actions through 2030. In 2020, Turku was recognized as the best mid-sized climate city in Europe.

Mr. Risto Veivo, Climate Director of Turku, Finland sharing 2029 carbon neutrality goal

 

Mr. Zhu Shu, Director of ICLEI East Asia Secretariat and Chief Representative of China chaired a roundtable discussion on “Carbon Market and Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction”. The discussion included representatives from the National Centre for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation, the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, the China Beijing Green Exchange, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the University of California. The participants shared their experiences in carbon market construction and greenhouse gas management.

Mr. Zhu Shu, Director of the ICLEI East Asia Secretariat and Chief Representative for China, moderates the roundtable discussion

 

In the  parallel forum “Innovation Drives Air Quality Improvement”,  Participants focused on how innovation can support pollution reduction and carbon reduction in the heating system. Representatives from Copenhagen and Ulaanbaatar, along with members from the “Belt and Road” Green Development International Alliance and relevant domestic government departments, engaged in productive discussions. Mr. Bilguun Burentegsh, Head of the Business and Innovation Agency of Ulaanbaatar city, presented the challenges and solutions faced by Ulaanbaatar in its heating system, on behalf of the Vice Mayor of Ulaanbaatar city, Ms. Khosbayar Luulai. This exchange of ideas and experiences will help address the unique heating system challenges faced by Ulaanbaatar, known as the coldest capital in the world.

Mr. Bilguun Burentegsh, Head of the Business and Innovation Agency of Ulaanbaatar city

 

In the “Typical Cases of Metropolitan Climate Action” sub-forum, Mr. Thilo Cunz, Director of the International Building Division at the German Energy Agency, presented the agency’s impactful initiatives. These included the Sino-German university building demonstration projects, the Sino-German low-carbon eco-city project, and the zero-carbon operation certification. Additionally, in 2023, the ICLEI East Asia Secretariat collaborated with the German Energy Agency and the China Academy of Building Research (CABR) to spearhead a roadmap project for the construction sector in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, actively supporting and promoting the region’s transition to zero-carbon, efficient, and resilient buildings.

The German Energy Agency actively promotes integrated urban energy solutions and capacity building for low-carbon buildings

 

Mr. Nathan Borgford-Parnell from the United Nations Environment Programme’s Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) shared advanced experiences in methane emission control during the forum’s roundtable discussion. His insights offered valuable references for other cities.

Mr. Nathan Borgford-Parnell of the United Nations Environment Program Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC

 

During his visit to Beijing, Mr. Gino Van Begin, Global Secretary General of ICLEI, engaged in fruitful discussion with the International Cooperation Center of the National Development and Reform Commission and the Public Education Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Dr. Qiu Aijun, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Center, introduced the center’s role in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative and international cooperation. Mr. Van Begin expressed ICLEI’s commitment to involving major cities worldwide in the UN’s sustainable urban development agenda, to promote sustainable city growth together. He also shared plans for establishing regional and project offices in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Northeast Asia. The purpose of the visit was to explore collaborative efforts to enhance urban sustainability and strengthen capacities in climate change response and resource management.

ICLEI held bilateral meetings with the International Cooperation Center of the National Development and Reform Commission

 

After that, Mr. Van Begin also paid a visit to the Public Education Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. During a meeting with Mr. Yan Shidong, Director of the Center, Mr. Yan outlined the center’s work in ecological protection education and capacity training. He highlighted the center’s active role in organizing major events like “Environmental Day” and coordinating China’s participation in international events such as the UN Climate Change Conference and the Biodiversity Conference.

Mr. Van Begin introduced ICLEI’s role as a local government network, with observer status under the three UN conventions: the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. ICLEI actively supports global cities in participating in international dialogues under these conventions, sharing successful experiences, and promoting ecological education and public engagement to foster intercity cooperation and knowledge exchange. Through this meeting, ICLEI and the Public Education Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation, enhance public environmental awareness, promote green city development, and collaboratively address the challenges of global climate change.

ICLEI held bilateral meetings with the Public Education Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment