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As specified within the MoU, HKU, Fudan College and The College of Sydney will attempt to formulate university-wide carbon neutrality targets. This collaborative effort will contain designing and implementing methods to cut back carbon emissions and obtain carbon neutrality inside their respective establishments.
The collaborating establishments will even co-organise common round-table workshops and scholar trade programmes, offering college students with useful alternatives to amass information and sensible expertise in environmental initiatives.
Throughout his welcome remarks, Prof Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, acknowledged that the MoU serves the pivotal function in enabling three universities in advancing university-wide carbon neutrality targets throughout respective establishments and main analysis that brings sustainability and carbon neutrality all through Asia-Pacific.
“It’s certainly an honour to witness and rejoice the start of a brand new chapter for HKU alongside our esteemed companions, Fudan College and The College of Sydney. We’re united by a standard aspiration and shared objectives in our dedication to sustainability and carbon neutrality,” mentioned Prof Zhang.
“With the wealthy expertise, insights and abilities throughout our networks, we are going to set up a analysis mega-hub that connects and creates synergies throughout areas. By means of the instructing and studying programmes below the MoU, our mixed influence will attain far and broad,” he mentioned.
Other than analysis collaboration and information sharing, Prof Zhang additionally highlighted the significance of proactive engagement with each the private and non-private sectors.
Recognising the dedication of the Hong Kong authorities to attain internet zero emissions by 2050, in addition to the twin decarbonisation objectives set by the central authorities for 2030 and 2060, he mentioned HKU is keen to collaborate intently with all stakeholders throughout the private and non-private sectors to drive significant change.
“Hong Kong, together with HKU, has a shared obligation and curiosity in decreasing carbon emissions. The development business, for instance, desires to decrease emissions and prices. A few of the analysis works we’re conducting can immediately contribute to the event of sustainable options in areas comparable to vitality effectivity, renewable vitality integration and carbon seize applied sciences,” he mentioned.
Nevertheless, you will need to notice that not all industries are on the identical stage of progress in addressing carbon emissions. Whereas some industries, such because the banking sector, have proven nice dedication to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives, together with inexperienced finance, there are nonetheless areas the place additional collaboration is required.
“Public organisations and personal companies have the potential to affix us in analysis collaboration, particularly contemplating the federal government’s mandate on this space. Universities ought to take the lead in driving these efforts ahead, as now we have the experience and assets to make a major influence,” mentioned Prof Zhang.
Prof Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor and President of The College of Sydney, additionally spoke on the ceremony. He mentioned: “We will probably be wanting to attract on the College’s multidisciplinary energy to have interaction researchers from drugs and well being, local weather change, sustainability and different areas, and from our strategic initiatives such because the Web Zero Initiative and Sydney Atmosphere Institute.”
“I believe it’s a very thrilling growth that we wish to contain different companion universities within the venture, to develop the partnership past China and Australia, in a manner that basically makes use of our networks and connections,” mentioned Prof Scott.
Prof Lei Xu, Vice President of Fudan College, emphasised the significance of universities within the Asia Pacific area enhancing co-operation and dealing collectively to attain a greener and extra balanced future.
“Fudan College, in its dedication to creating a greater world, has made important contributions to addressing up to date challenges. For instance, in 2021, Fudan College established the primary Worldwide Centre of Excellence on Threat Interconnectivity and Governance on Climate/Local weather Extremes Influence and Public Well being within the Chinese language Mainland,” mentioned Prof Xu.
When requested in regards to the means of translating analysis outcomes into real-world options, Prof Peng Gong, Professional-Vice-Chancellor (Tutorial Improvement) at HKU, emphasised the numerous contribution of over 50 HKU professors who’re actively engaged in addressing local weather change-related points.
“These consultants come from a various vary of disciplines, comparable to engineering, ocean science, marine biology, ecology, social science, finance, economics, simply to call a number of. With such a multidisciplinary method, HKU is well-positioned to develop complete options that handle the advanced challenges posed by local weather change,” he mentioned.
Collaboration throughout disciplines is essential for attaining decarbonisation and addressing local weather change dangers, mentioned Prof Kathy Belov, Professional Vice-Chancellor (International and Analysis Engagement) at The College of Sydney.
She talked about {that a} decade in the past, The College of Sydney had already established multidisciplinary institutes (MDIs) to deal with these important challenges. These initiatives purpose to foster collaboration amongst industries, neighborhood pursuits, and authorities entities.
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