Yantai Reveals International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative At COP29

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Yantai City, Shandong Province, has launched the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative together with 32 island cities, international organisations, research institutions, enterprises, and other founding entities at home and abroad.

This initiative, released at the Launch Conference of International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative held during the UNFCCC COP29 on Nov 13, aims to promote global climate governance through joint efforts.

The launch event, hosted by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Shandong Provincial People's Government, was supported by the Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, the Shandong Provincial Department of Ecological Environment, and the Yantai Municipal People's Government.

Representatives from China, island nations, and international organisations attended and voiced their support for the initiative, according to a statement.

With over 50,000 islands worldwide facing shared challenges due to climate change, the need for an international organisation dedicated to supporting islands sustainability has become urgent.

Yantai City mayor, Zheng Deyan called on global island stakeholders to unite under the initiative to contribute to both sustainable development and global climate campaigns.

The International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Organization, the world's first international organisation dedicated to zero-carbon islands, will focus on enhancing the climate resilience of islands, strengthening infrastructure and disaster response capabilities, and promoting mutual assistance in the sharing of emergency relief supplies.

The organisation aims to explore zero-carbon pathways, build clean energy systems, promote green buildings, transportation, and communities, and foster the development of low-carbon industries such as modern marine fisheries, modern agriculture, and low-carbon tourism.

It will also protect ecological resources, strengthen the protection, development, utilisation, research, and management of island resources, and enhance academic and cultural exchange among islands.

-- BERNAMA