Yantai unveils the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference began on Nov 11 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, in order to advocate for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainable development. The International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative event, co-hosted by the city of Yantai, took place at the China Pavilion on Nov 13.

During the event, Yantai represented 32 initiating members and unveiled the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative, calling on all parties to contribute to the sustainable development of islands and global climate action.

The initiative highlights the increasingly severe survival crisis faced by islands, emphasizing the urgent need to explore green transformation pathways. Climate change is a challenge for all humanity which requires collaborative efforts from every nation.

The initiative calls on governments worldwide, along with departments, social organizations, universities, research institutions, financial institutions, and businesses, among other stakeholders, to unite their efforts to enhance island resilience to natural disasters, explore zero-carbon strategies, safeguard ecological resources, and strengthen international cooperation and communication.