Ireland is Always Ready to Collaborate with China on Carbon Neutrality

Background: The China-Europe Innovation and Technology Forum was held on September 16, 2022, at the Price Jun Mansion Hotel in Beijing, bringing together in-depth discussions from leaders in technology, business, embassies, NGOs, and government on how to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality.

Carbon Neutrality: Strategies and Actions for a More Sustainable Ireland (Excerpt)

Gareth Hargadon, Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing

China is a key player in climate and biodiversity, showing remarkable leadership, especially in biodiversity.

It is also optimistic with the announcement in May, China has made significant progress towards its goal of increasing forest coverage. This year, the country plans to contribute to planting, protecting, restoring, and managing 70 billion trees by 2030.

For example, Ireland is always ready to explore new avenues of cooperation with China in this area and with other global partners.

Last year, Ireland launched its first national Sustainable Finance Roadmap. The roadmap outlines 18 actions with the common goal of making Ireland an international sustainable finance hub by 2025. In this way, we can accelerate the transition to carbon neutrality domestically and help drive the transition internationally, while bringing growth, employment, and expertise to Ireland.

The roadmap was developed through close collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders and is based on research identifying best practices in sustainable finance around the world.

The roadmap sets out measures for five key areas:

Talent Development

Industry Readiness

Leveraging Digital Technology

A Favorable Environment, and

Promotion and Communication