Background:

The Pacific Island countries, as one of the regions most affected by climate change globally, are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, storm surges, floods, and tsunamis, among other disasters. These challenges are compounded by the fact that their economies largely depend on fisheries and tourism, both of which are threatened by climate change and ocean acidification. At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), significant progress was made on ocean issues in the first-ever Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement. This milestone reflects an unprecedented recognition of the need to incorporate ocean considerations into climate action and to enhance ocean initiatives based on the best available marine science. At the same time, China has always attached great importance to the special difficulties and concerns faced by Pacific island countries in addressing climate change. At the general debate of the 75th United Nations General Assembly, Chinese President Xi Jinping solemnly announced that China will increase its national independent contribution, adopt more effective policies and measures, strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030, and try to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. This is a solemn commitment made by China to address global climate issues. The first issue of Qiushi (CPC Central Committee Bimonthly) in 2024 published an important directive by President Xi on comprehensively promoting the modernization of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature through the construction of a Beautiful China. On January 25th of this year, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council signed State Council Order No. 775, announcing the Interim Regulations on the Management of Carbon Emissions Trading, which will come into effect on May 1st. In accordance with the special administrative regulations formulated by the state, this regulation is of great significance for providing clear legal basis for the operation and management of the national carbon emissions trading market, ensuring and promoting its healthy development.

The Ocean University of China aims to serve the major needs of the national double carbon goal, gives full play to the advantages ofinterdisciplinary integration of arts, science, engineering and agriculture in the marine field, and provides a blue carbon Chinese project with the construction objective of deeply cultivating the ocean, serving the country and seeking world first class. It is hoped that this international seminar will provide a platform for scientists in relevant research fields to discuss climate change and its impact on Pacific climate, sea level rise and its influence, blue governance, sustainable development and other scientific issues, so as to help island countries better cope with climate change, achieve sustainable development and jointly build a China-Pacific Island countries community with a shared future from the perspective ofscientific research.

Venue:

Zu Chongzhi Hall, 2nd Floor, Conference Center, Hualan Hotel, Qingdao, Shandong Province

Date:

July 6-7, 2024

Organizer:

Center for Ocean Carbon Neutrality (COCN), Ocean University of China

Co-sponsors：

International Office of Ocean University of China (OUC)

The Division of Science & Technology of Ocean University of China (OUC)

Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System of Ocean University of China (OUC)

International Commission on Climate (ICCL)/International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences(IAMAS)

The Union Commission on Climatic and Environmental Change (CCEC)/The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG)