Thematic Research｜Digitalization Supports the Dual-Carbon Goal

SDG sharing conference: digitalization helps achieve the “dual-carbon goal”

Introduction: With the rapid development of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, we have entered a new era of digital economy. In the revolution of intelligence, the plan for achieving "carbon neutral" goal is constantly improving. In fact, carbon neutrality involves transformation of energy structure, new energy development, transportation and construction etc. Carbon peaking and carbon neutralization are systematic projects that involve multiple fields and require joint efforts from various industries. This smart sharing conference will discuss how to accelerate the realization of the dual-carbon goal and step into a carbon-neutral society through digital means.

1.     Design a good top-down system, decompose goals, and distribute responsibilities

The first task is to formulate a good top-level design to decompose the goals, and thus to formulate assessments and implement them at various levels. We need a horizontal decomposition of carbon peaking and carbon neutral goals along the time axis, and achieve the goals year by year. Moreover, we need a vertical decomposition to prefectures, cities and counties, to distribute responsibilities. Finally, we need to break down the goals into key industries. Prefectures, cities and counties should carry out annual assessment and visualize the completion of targets, apply information technology, integrate the main data of carbon emissions and carbon sink, and measure the possibility of future target completion.

2.     Track the whole process through institutional innovation and source control

Through institutional innovation, we can manage and control from the source and track the whole process to realize the coordination and unity of industrial development and carbon reduction. The “carbon budget” system will support major projects and development models that contribute to high-quality economic development with limited carbon emission and contribute to the early realization of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. At the same time the system will inject new vitality to our economy and society. We need to determine the total annual carbon budget as the “bottom-line” of emissions for annual new projects and assess the entire process before project implementation. During construction and operation process, we need to adopt a “standard carbon” statistical system instead of the "standard coal" statistical system to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. The carbon budget control and deployment ensure that new projects can only be approved after eliminating high energy consumption projects. In addition, based on the integration of big data in commerce, construction, energy, etc., we can produce a refined analysis of urban carbon emissions and potential through modelling.

3.     Apply digitalization and informatization methods to assist scientific decision-making

Digital means build a solid data foundation and provide decision-making assistance. Such means focus on carbon peaking and carbon neutralization. We will monitor collection, process, calculate, and analyse data to achieve regional carbon emission data accounting and analysis, including carbon peaking and neutralization target. Thus the digital means will support the early realization of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, and provide decision-making assistance for the departments in low-carbon management. We would further apply information technology to monitor, analyse, and manage big data for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality to provide the government with quantitative support in scientific decision-making.

4.     Draw a corporate climate credit profile

For key enterprises, we need to rely on big data and knowledge maps, draw corporate climate credit profiles to support financial service and product innovation.

5.     Promote public recognition and increase public participation

To achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, public recognition and extensive participation are also required. We need to promote the formation of a green and low-carbon society through the inclusive through the inclusive mechanism which provide positive incentives for low-carbon behaviour. Moreover, the government should guide the society to formulate a new model of a sustainable low-carbon society.