Former UN Under-Secretary-General Erik Solheim: China Ascends as a Green Technology Leader

南方财经全媒体见习记者梁旭琦 上海报道

On November 6th, a parallel session of the seventh Hongqiao International Economic Forum, themed "Pudong and the World: High-Standard Institutional Opening-up for New Development Opportunities" was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

Erik Solheim, recipient of the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award, Vice President of the Belt and Road Green Development International Alliance, and former UN Under-Secretary-General, addressed the gathering. He remarked that the focus has shifted from China’s traditional economic growth and poverty alleviation to prioritizing high-quality and green development, both of which are essential in today’s context.

Solheim emphasized that China has taken the lead in green technology, offering advanced, cost-effective solutions. Last year, China’s contributions amounted to one-third of the global green technology sector, marking a significant milestone for the future of sustainable technology.

"Last year, China invested U.S. $900 billion. That's close to six trillion RMB in renewable energies. It's as much as 20 times the entire economy of Nepal, the neighbor of China and a middle-sized Asian nation, 20 times everything produced in Nepal is the investment in green development in China.” Solheim noted, highlighting the scale of ambition, also mentioning that the capacity of the largest solar plant in Xinjiang rivals the entire power grid of Nigeria and could power 200 million people in Nigeria.

Pudong stands out as a pioneer in green technology development. Solheim praised the district for its lush parks and riverside paths that enhance the quality of life for its residents. Furthermore, Pudong boasts one of the world’s most extensive public transit systems, with a heavy reliance on electric vehicles in its taxis, buses, and new transit stations, which dramatically reduce urban pollution and noise. Solheim advocated for Pudong and Shanghai to maintain their leadership in fostering sustainable development not just in China but globally.

"Pudong and Shanghai should continue to develop as a green showcase city for the world. Shanghai and Pudong should be the bridge between China and the outside, particularly in the area of business. People of the world love green cities. People want to live in green cities. Pudong is already green. And Chinese cities, by and large, are fantastically green," he added.

Solheim pointed out that regional cooperation is crucial for advancing climate action and sustainable development globally. 

However, he cautioned against protectionism. "Green competition is good. Competition shapes innovation and makes us all richer and better. Green competition is a race to the top. However, protectionism, closed markets, that's a race to the bottom. That will make everyone poorer," Solheim advised.

He recommended that China use its technological advancements to support local enterprises and aid the global industry. Many top European companies have already outsourced production to India; similarly, China could strategically invest in other markets such as Turkey, Thailand, Brazil, Hungary, and Uzbekistan, inviting these nations to benefit from Chinese green technologies.

Solheim affirmed that Chinese investments in Europe do more than share technology; they also generate employment opportunities. “Of course, this is not a one-way street,” he concluded. Leaders from both China and Europe are seeking a collaborative approach that promises reciprocal benefits.