International Symposium on Sustainability (Green Innovation & Nature Stewardship: A Decade of Sustainability with Paulson Prize)

Mr. Henry Paulson, Chairman of the Paulson Institute,

Mr. Wang Hongwei, Vice President of Tsinghua University,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me start by commending you, Mr. Paulson, for your vision, your passion and mission and above all, your leadership, in your efforts to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable world. Your work on issues of consequence for U.S.-China relations and beyond will have lasting significance for the entire world. I have always maintained that the U.S.-China relationship is the most consequential relationship of the 21st century.



It is an honour to join you today at this symposium to discuss the pressing environmental challenges of our time, challenges that extend far beyond borders and require global collaboration. I thank the Paulson Institute and Tsinghua University for convening this event.

In the year 2023, we find ourselves facing an unprecedented array of sustainability challenges.

The climate crisis remains the highest existential challenge we face, with the planet experiencing more frequent and severe weather events, such as increased temperatures, rising sea levels, heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding.

Global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, driven primarily by the burning of fossil fuels.



The degradation of forests, wetlands, and other natural carbon sinks diminishes the Earth’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Biodiversity loss and species extinction rates are alarming.

Air and water pollution remain a public health crisis in many countries.

This triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution not only unleashes havoc everywhere but also affects millions of lives and carries substantial economic costs.

One only needs to look at the inequity and loss caused by the recent and unprecedented floods in Libya, where the skies unleashed 100 times the monthly rainfall in just 24 hours, resulting in the deaths of thousands of already vulnerable people.



Standing at the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is clear we are significantly behind schedule in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to the environment: SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13 on Climate Action, SDG 14 on Life Below Water, and SDG 15 on Life on Land.

This symposium’s theme, “Green Innovation & Nature Stewardship,” is relevant today as we navigate these challenges and strive to create a more sustainable world, allow me to share some data to highlight the urgency of our mission.

Progress on climate-related SDGs is well below the pace needed to meet the commitments under the Paris Agreement. Global temperatures have already risen by 1.1°C due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Without transformative action now, the 1.5°C target will be at risk, endangering the lives of over 3 billion people.

The ocean, the world’s largest ecosystem, continues to be endangered by rising acidification, eutrophication, declining fish stocks and mounting plastic pollution. The ocean today is about 30% more acidic than in pre-industrial times. More than a third of global stocks are overfished.

The trend in forest loss, land degradation and the extinction of species is becoming worse, posing a severe threat to the health of people and planet. The world’s forest area continues to decline, from 31.9% in 2000 to 31.2% in 2020, representing a net loss of 100 million hectares. 21% of species are threatened with extinction.



Moreover, while we aim for sustainability, we must also remember the social dimension of the SDGs. Billions of people’s lives and livelihoods are affected by the environment. Sustainability is not only about protecting the environment but also about ensuring justice and equity for all. At his recent address to the 78th Session of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, put it simply when he said, “To stand a fighting chance of limiting global temperature rise, we must phase out coal, oil and gas in a fair and equitable way – and massively boost renewables.”

To achieve this outcome, green innovation, one of the core themes of this symposium, is a must. Green innovation involves finding creative and sustainable solutions to complex problems, rethinking how we produce and consume, generate energy, and protect our natural resources.



Indeed, innovation is at the heart of addressing sustainability. It encompasses technological advancements, policy innovation, and new approaches to business and finance. It’s about finding ways to do more with less, to reduce our environmental footprint while improving lives.

I also emphasize the critical importance of collaborative efforts across all sectors and countries in safeguarding our environment, and addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

COP28 in Dubai is just around the corner. Here, a first-ever “Global Stocktake” will take place to look at where the world stands on climate action and support, identify the gaps, and chart a better course for our future.



We look forward to seeing announcements at COP28 for greater ambition, as well as increased joint investments in renewable energy, and more commitments for the Global South.

But we cannot simply wait for this or for others to move first.

Whether it is governments, businesses, communities and other key stakeholders, climate action requires global collaboration and the active participation of individuals from all walks of life.

In this session, we will hear from experts from the public and private sectors of China and other countries who will share their financing solutions for net zero, green and innovative business actions, as well as international cooperation efforts to address our climate change challenges.



Having invested US$ 546 billion in clean energy last year, China, as a global leader in green technology, renewable energy, and innovations such as electric vehicles, has experiences and lessons that can benefit not only itself but other countries facing similar challenges.

By further elevating such ambition, sharing the innovative practices and policies it has enacted and highlighting the obstacles encountered, China can contribute more to accelerating the SDGs.

Similarly, collaboration between leaders and thinkers in China and the United States, the two largest economies and greenhouse gas emitters, is mission-critical for addressing the climate crisis.

With this year marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Paulson Prize for Sustainability, I wish to congratulate the Paulson Institute and its partnership with Tsinghua University. The Paulson Prize has shined a much-needed spotlight on projects that offer the potential to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution in China and around the world.

Let us remember that the challenges we face are not insurmountable. With the proper political will, public policy and partnerships, we can address the pressing issues of climate change, poverty, and inequality, and achieve the SDGs.

Together, we can mark a new phase of accelerated progress and build a future where humanity lives in harmony with nature, where sustainability is not just a goal but a reality.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to the insightful discussions ahead.