Peking University, May 31, 2014: Global warming has been an increasingly important concern in the related fields, and this time, Peking University takes the lead in the communication.

The opening ceremony of the 5th Global Conference on Global Warming (GCGW-2014), hosted by College of Engineering of Peking University, was held in Zhongguanyuan Global Village on May 26th.

The three-day conference came to a close on May 29th, during which time there were eight keynote speeches and heated discussions focusing on 13 topics such as global warming, climate changes, the application of renewable energy sources. More than 200 scholars from about 40 areas around the world participated in the meeting.

Professor Zhang Xinrong delivered the welcome speech on the opening ceremony. He gave a warm welcome to the present scholars and pointed out that GCGW is a platform for communication and cooperation since global warming has been a focus of both the academic field and industrial field.

Zhang Xinrong 

Professor Ibrahim Dincer, chair of the International Organizing Committee of GCGW, mentioned in his speech that this was the first time the conference was held in another continent other than Europe, and in the biggest developing country. Global warming, as he said, was more than an environmental issue, it closely connected with the economy, politics and social development of each country.

Ibrahim Dincer

PKU Vice President Chen Shiyi introduced the research achievements of Peking University. "Nowadays, as issues of energy and environment become more and more prominent, men of science ought to make their contributions," Chen said, "PKU will support this project and assist to solve environmental problems."

Chen Shiyi

Zhou Dadi, former director of Energy Research Institute of National Development and Reform Commission, emphasized that the Institute had played an important role in the strategy planning, policy making and theory studying since it was founded. It not only supported the domestic government, but also offered advisory services for foreign institutions.

Zhou Dadi

Director Li Junfeng from National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation pointed out an active response to climate change was associated with domestic economic and social development as well as global welfare.

Li Junfeng

"I hope, during the conference, we can gather brilliant ideas and sophisticated technologies from distinguished researchers throughout the world." In order to enhance the capacity to cope with climate change, a strategy study and international cooperation center was constituted by National Development and Reform Commission. 

The following keynote speech was titled "Shale Gas Development and the Environment". Dean of College of Engineering, Zhang Dongxiao introduced research results and the latest improvements in the field of shale gas, which contributed to resolving supply scarcity of gas, enhancing energy structure and coping with air pollution.

Zhang Dongxiao

America has made a great success in shale gas development, "from which," said Professor Zhang, "we can conclude that technology exploration and innovation have become a significant step in shale gas revolution. The advanced technology will greatly solve climate change and environmental problems that has been nagging at us. But this process relies on a global constant commitment and wide-range exchange."

Finally, Professor Ronald Wennersten from Shandong University, in his speech "Strategies for Energy Transition and Climate Change Mitigation for Urban Development", pointed out that climate change should be connected with economic and social development, especially for developed countries.

Ronald Wennersten

"Since fossil fuels will still play an important role for a long time, we should pay more attention on energy transformation and the multiple utilization of energy," Ronald said.

This conference involves many different subjects related to global climate change, providing a platform for scholars to exchange the latest technology and study results. It will also demonstrate China's scientific level and technological achievements to the world.

Written by: Jin Panzhu, Li Ruiqi
Edited by: Li Wenrui
Source: College of Engineering