HKU and KAIST Symposium Advances Climate Action and Resilience Solutions

20 AUG 2025

On August 20, 2025, the Department of Geography and the Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality (ICCN) at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) hosted a transformative symposium titled "Integrative Solutions and Transformative Pathways" at the Social Sciences Chamber, The Jockey Club Tower, Centennial Campus. The event convened distinguished academics and experts to tackle urgent climate challenges through innovative research and collaborative dialogue. With two key sessions focused on intelligence for climate action and resilience, the symposium addressed critical topics ranging from carbon neutrality to urban ecosystems, featuring contributions from professors at HKU, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and the Environmental Defense Fund.

The morning session, moderated by Professor Yuyu Zhou of HKU, centered on "Intelligence for Climate Action: Assessing Impact, Mitigation, and Adaptation." Speakers provided insights into energy technology pathways, global access to essential services, climate health, environmental justice, and low-carbon transitions in China. The afternoon session, led by Professor Jiyong Eom of KAIST, explored "Intelligence for Resilience: Integrating Human, Energy, and Ecological Systems," delving into energy efficiency, urban energy demand, mangrove ecosystems, and AI-driven urban analytics. Both sessions concluded with vibrant open floor discussions, fostering innovative exchanges and ideas among participants.

A major highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between HKU’s ICCN and KAIST’s Graduate School of Green Growth and Sustainable Development. This landmark partnership aims to address the global climate crisis by combining expertise in cutting-edge research and education to enhance climate resilience, positioning Hong Kong and South Korea as leaders in Asian climate initiatives. In collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund, the partnership will advance joint research in energy and earth systems modeling, climate and public health, and climate economics and policy analysis. The symposium concluded with a discussion on building a collaborative platform for climate and environmental research across Asia, followed by closing remarks, reinforcing HKU’s leadership in interdisciplinary climate solutions.