The ceremony to launch the "Towards Carbon Neutrality" series of youth activities was held in Shenzhen, in South China's Guangdong Province, on April 11. Nearly 10,000 teenagers, from 10-plus schools in Beijing and the Guangdong-Hong KongMacao Greater Bay Area (GBA), attended, either in person or via video link. 

The activities are intended to foster the innovative thinking and practical ability of teenagers in their efforts to advance green and low-carbon development. The series is also intended to encourage the teens to explore ways to achieve sustainable development and contribute their strength in protecting the ecological environment and in achieving carbon-peaking and carbon-neutrality goals.

During the ceremony, it was announced 30 activities will be held throughout the year, and the activities will feature painting exhibitions, freehand-sketching activities, the building of low-carbon campuses, the building of eco-friendly families, science-popularization lectures and teenager-exchange activities. 

The activities will help reinforce the effects of ecological and environmental education, and will help build a network of intercommunication among youth in Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao. 

"We look forward to helping young people become advocates and practitioners of green and low-carbon living through these activities," An Najiang, program officer of Global Alliance of Universities on Climate, said during the ceremony. 

Xie Yuhong, Secretary-General of the All-China Environment Federation, expressed hope teenagers in Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao will strengthen communication and cooperation in promoting green and low-carbon culture in the region, and that they will help build a harmonious and beautiful GBA. 

During the ceremony, teens gave performances, including clapper talk, and singing and dancing, to advocate a green and low-carbon lifestyle. They also participated in various activities, such as painting and making tie-dyed items. They also turned waste into works of art, and they exchanged views on how to better protect the environment. 

The experiences and practices in energy conservation, emission reduction and carbon reduction of eight schools in Shenzhen were shared with those in attendance. 

"I hope this event will plant green and low-carbon seeds in children's hearts, and that the seeds will continue to sprout and nourish a world of green development," Li Zheng, Dean of the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Tsinghua University, said. Li also expressed hope young people in GBA will express their feelings about and expectations for carbon neutrality, especially through creative expressions, such as art and interactive games. 

"I have learned a lot about environmental protection, and I have gained a better understanding of carbon neutrality through this event," said a student, from a school in Hong Kong. 

"Towards Carbon Neutrality" is expected to help Hong Kong and Macao youth, and other youth groups, to experience the Chinese folk culture and technological innovation and development, and have a better understanding of the national conditions. 

Organizers said the process of communicating and participating in exchanges will help youth in Hong Kong and Macao better integrate into the overall development of the country, work together to promote the high-quality development of GBA, and play greater roles in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 

The event was guided by the Publicity and Education Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and it was sponsored by Shenzhen Overseas Friendship Association, Longgang District Committee of the Communist Party of China, and the People's Government of Longgang District, in Shenzhen. 

Source: Shenzhen Overseas Friendship Association

(Women of China English Monthly June 2024)

Editor: Wang Shasha