by Zafar Hussain

 

BEIJING, Jun 6 (China Economic Net) - China is leading the world in becoming carbon-neutral and its stronger carbon zero-emission policy is an example for Pakistan to become carbon neutral, while Pakistan is following the footprint of China's carbon-neutral policy, said Prof. Dr. Audil Rashid, Group leader Eco-Health Research Division, University of Gujrat.

 

"China’s unique achievement has made the country’s pledge one of the most unprecedented ones among all those nations that signed the Paris Agreement in 2015. It is amazing to note that one of the largest carbon emitters will be able to achieve the landmark target of being carbon neutral in the mid-century. A sheer determination is reflected by the Chinese government which promised that by 2060 the country will become carbon neutral", he remarked on the World Environment Day, which falls on June 5 every year.

 

Dr. Audil expressed that the breakthrough idea behind this effective approach is the "carbon capture and storage" (CCS) concept originated by Chinese researchers in various universities especially the College of Urban and Environmental Science at Peking University. He added that in both industries and households, fossil fuel-based energy-driven activities will be transformed to carbon-neutral sources.  

 

"By 2060, the energy requirement in China will climb to 15000 terawatt-hours. This would require parallel use of the CCS approach coupled with a massive transformation of all renewable power generation in the next 38 years. Furthermore, to absorb CO2 directly from the atmosphere, additional sinks will have to be created such as setting up new forests", he mentioned.

 

Dr. Abdul Ghaffar, University of Sindh, told China Economic Net (CEN) that achieving carbon-neutral by 2060 is a landmark target set by China and Chinese scientists are working hard to achieve the carbon zero-emission target.

 

"China is helping Belt and Road Initiative countries to solve the environmental issues. Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, many Chinese universities are closely working with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and Pakistani universities on environmental matters", he added.

 

He said if China successfully achieves the carbon zero-emission target, Pakistan would be also a beneficiary of this accomplishment.