GENEVA—At the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum 2024, the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) hosted a seminar focused on utilizing China’s green transition as a catalyst for global climate mitigation efforts.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the seminar titled “Leveraging China’s green transition for global climate mitigation: perspectives, opportunities, and challenges,” was moderated by Wang Huiyao, founder and president of CCG. The event saw participation from over 100 stakeholders, including members from WTO, media, and think tanks. Discussions centered on China’s progressive shift towards renewable energy and its broader implications for global climate response strategies.
Former WTO Deputy Director-General Yi Xiaozhun highlighted China’s renewable sector’s substantial impact on reducing global emissions. “In 2022, China’s wind and photovoltaic power products helped other countries cut down carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 573 million tons,” Yi stated, noting the role of these exports in providing affordable renewable energy and mitigating inflationary pressures globally.
Yi emphasized that the growth of China’s renewable energy sector stems from vigorous market competition and rapid technological advancements rather than government subsidies, which he argued cannot sustain a healthy industry. He also warned against the misuse of climate action as a pretext for protectionism, stressing that such measures should not compromise the integrity of WTO rules or the multilateral trading system.
The seminar also featured perspectives from international representatives, including former Kenyan Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed, who discussed the potential for Africa’s green transition to unlock vast opportunities in renewable energy and infrastructure. However, she pointed out the critical need for foreign investment, technology transfer, and local capacity building to realize these potentials.
Elvire Fabry of the Jacques Delors Institute addressed the tensions between Europe and China concerning the electric vehicle market, advocating for greater engagement with Chinese enterprises to foster Europe’s green transition.
Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, called for enhanced cooperation between Europe and China, suggesting the pursuit of high-standard bilateral agreements to bolster green economic transitions.
The panel unanimously agreed that national policies aimed at addressing climate change should adhere to multilateral trading rules, underscoring the WTO’s vital role in aligning trade with environmental policies. The four-day WTO public forum, which began on Tuesday, features over 130 sessions and has drawn nearly 4,400 participants from diverse global sectors.