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Peking University hosts Shenzhen carbon economics forum ahead of APEC talks

Peking University hosts Shenzhen carbon economics forum ahead of APEC talks

The June 16 event brought nearly 100 academics, policymakers and industry representatives together to examine carbon pricing, trade rules and AI’s role in climate governance before key APEC meetings.

Fact Check
The primary PR Newswire release 'Carbon Economics Salon Held at PHBS in Shenzhen' and the Morningstar redistribution both confirm every element of the claim: the June 16, 2026 event in Shenzhen; nearly 100 academics, policymakers and industry representatives; co-hosting by Peking University HSBC Business School and the Peking University Institute of Carbon Neutrality; topics of carbon pricing, trade rules and AI's role in climate governance; and the timing ahead of APEC meetings (the Forestry Ministerial Meeting and the November summit). The only minor imprecision is that the claim says 'Peking University hosts' whereas the event was co-hosted by two PKU-affiliated bodies, which does not materially alter the claim's accuracy.
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Summary

Peking University-affiliated institutions convened a Carbon Economics Salon in Shenzhen on June 16, gathering nearly 100 academics, policymakers and industry representatives to examine how climate policy is reshaping trade across Asia-Pacific ahead of the APEC Forestry Ministerial Meeting on July 27-28. Organized by Peking University HSBC Business School and the Institute of Carbon Neutrality of Peking University, the forum focused on unilateral climate-related trade measures, uneven carbon market development and AI (artificial intelligence) in carbon governance. Speakers including Thomas J. Sargent, the 2011 Nobel laureate in economics and honorary director of PHBS’s Sargent Institute of Quantitative Economics and Finance, argued that uncertainty should spur early investment in green R&D, emissions cuts and forest conservation. Participants also highlighted stronger carbon pricing (charging for emissions), market-based tools and the 2030-2035 period as a critical window for China’s energy transition. The event framed carbon governance as increasingly shaped by trade rules, technology and international coordination, and organizers said those issues are likely to gain prominence as APEC economies deepen climate cooperation.

Terms & Concepts
  • carbon pricing: Charging for greenhouse gas emissions.
  • carbon governance: Rules and institutions managing emissions policy.
  • AI: Artificial intelligence used for data-driven decision-making.