HKUST Partners with NGO on Climate Innovator Program to Empower Youth in Achieving Carbon Neutrality
HKUST Sustainability/Net-Zero Office recently partnered with Lang Qing Charity to host the "Climate Innovator" program, an innovative initiative aimed at empowering young leaders to take action towards achieving carbon neutrality.
Organized by Lang Qing Charity, funded by Bank of China (Hong Kong), supported by the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR, Zhuhai Environmental Education, Communication and Exchange Center, and guided by the Center for Environmental Education & Communications of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, this unique program addressed the pressing global challenge of climate change by equipping university students and young leaders with the necessary knowledge and skills.
The program offered participants an incredible opportunity to enhance their understanding of carbon neutrality, clean energy, emission reduction technologies, carbon auditing and environmental policies. Participants got the opportunities to visit BYD and Shenneng Environmental Protection Longgang Energy Ecological Park in Shenzhen, explored facilities in Toyotomi Beijian Transparent Factory and Kangheng Environmental Protection Co. Ltd. In Zhuhai.
Participants also joined the training program at HKUST to learn about latest carbon neutrality policies, circular economy, cutting-edge technologies, and the Sustainable Smart Campus (SSC) funded projects such as capturing carbon with Algae, ocean trash clean-up by underwater robot, vertical garden, nanocoating for solar panels and turning food waste into organic fertilizer by Black Soldier Flies .
The program facilitated cross-regional exchanges with experts and peers from Mainland China and Hong Kong and equipped the youth with leadership skills in project management, teamwork, and innovative thinking as they will complete in July by submitting a promotional action plan that contributes to carbon neutrality in their community. The winning team of the "Climate Innovator" Competition will experience a 5-day study trip to Tsinghua University in Beijing.
The Climate Innovator Program represented a significant step towards fostering a culture of sustainability and empowering the next generation of environmental leaders.
