Achieving carbon peak by 2030 serves as both a target and a driving force for businesses. According to Lu Xuedu, advisor to the Zero Carbon Committee and former Chief Climate Change Specialist at the Asian Development Bank, incorporating carbon emissions into corporate accounting is inevitable. He stated that exceeding carbon emission standards would result in negative assets for companies, while reducing emissions would generate positive assets.
In an exclusive interview discussing global climate governance, low-carbon development approaches, and corporate carbon reduction strategies, Lu emphasized that the greatest challenge in achieving green, low-carbon development is enhancing societal awareness of its necessity and inevitability. The shift from dual control of energy consumption to dual control of carbon emissions represents a fundamental transformation in national energy and environmental management, requiring widespread public understanding and voluntary implementation.
Regarding future global climate governance amid complex international situations and heightened geopolitical conflicts, Lu noted that while global security issues may attract more attention and resources, potentially reducing focus on climate治理, the overall trend toward green, low-carbon development will continue. The United Nations will maintain a leading role, but developing countries—particularly China—will increase their influence by pioneering low-carbon technological innovations and reducing emission reduction costs. This has made large-scale adoption of photovoltaic and other low-carbon technologies feasible for many nations, providing developing countries with access to affordable, clean energy solutions.
Lu highlighted that developing countries are now actively participating in emission reduction efforts, driven by lower technology costs, which marks a shift from their previous passive role. This active involvement is expected to reshape the global carbon governance landscape.
On China’s low-carbon development plans during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, Lu outlined key targets, including a 7%–10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from peak levels by 2035, increasing the share of non-fossil energy consumption to over 30%, and expanding wind and solar power capacity to six times 2020 levels. He projected that China’s carbon emissions would stabilize around current levels, achieving and consolidating the carbon peak goal. Energy structure transformation will accelerate, with renewable energy meeting new demand, and high-emission industries will undergo green transitions through green factories, parks, and supply chains. Low-carbon industries are expected to become major economic growth drivers.
Lu also pointed to challenges, reiterating that elevating public awareness remains critical. He urged companies to view carbon emissions strategically, as they impact corporate image, financing costs, and market positioning. Firms should familiarize themselves with carbon-related policies, adopt advanced low-carbon technologies, and align their “small carbon ledger” with broader national and industry carbon accounts to manage emissions proactively and benefit from carbon markets.
For practical steps, Lu advised companies to set carbon neutrality targets, establish dedicated teams, develop phased implementation plans, and collaborate with upstream and downstream partners to promote carbon reduction across the entire industrial chain. He cited Tencent as an example, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its supply chain by 2030, powered by 100% green electricity. Tencent also leverages digital technologies to support industrial low-carbon transformation and promotes sustainable initiatives like virtual power plants and carbon capture projects.
The interview underscored that carbon reduction is not only an environmental imperative but also a strategic business opportunity, turning emissions management into a valuable asset.
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