On September 24th, an international symposium focusing on climate change and the development of a resilient Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) was successfully held in Shenzhen. With the theme of " Building a Resilient Bay Area in Harmony with Nature under Climate Change", the symposium brought together participants from the National Center for Strategic Research on Climate Change and International Cooperation (NCSC), Shenzhen Ecology and Environment Bureau, and other relevant departments, as well as research institutions such as Central University of Finance and Economics, China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, Urban Planning & Design Institute of Shenzhen, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Additionally, representatives from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) headquarters, its projects in the Asia-Pacific region, California, and New York, as well as Tencent's Sustainable Social Value division, gathered to jointly explore the significance and pathways for building urban resilience in the context of climate change.

Theme 1: Policies, Strategic Planning, and Risk Assessment for Climate Adaptation

Ms. Laura Whitford｜Photo Source: Shi Jinze

Ms. Laura Whitford, Director of Conservation Partnerships of Asia Pacific at TNC, shared how TNC designs and implements impactful nature-based climate adaptation solutions. She pointed out that the current demand for climate adaptation funding is 10 to 18 times the current level of international public adaptation funding. Therefore, TNC is advancing relevant cases globally to explore obtaining more funding for climate adaptation efforts.

Theme Two: Measures, Tools, and Community Practices for Climate Adaptation

Dr. Michael Treglia｜Photo Source: Shi Jinze

Michael Treglia, the Lead Scientist of TNC New York City Program, highlighted the New York City Forests Project, which commenced in 2017 with a plan to plant one million trees. This project aims to enhance the city's multi-benefit resilience by increasing canopy cover. He also mentioned that the success of the project necessitates collaborative efforts from various parties, with TNC serving as a bridge, representing NGOs and strengthening cooperation with governments, businesses, and others to jointly advance the New York City initiative.

Ms. Michelle Passero｜Photo Source: Shi Jinze

Michelle Passero, Director of the Climate and Nature-based Solutions Strategy at TNC in California, introduced the work being carried out in the state. California has set ambitious goals across various natural environments, including a target for carbon neutrality by 2045, and has formulated conservation strategies and adaptation policies, with a focus on the synergies between mitigation and adaptation. TNC has played a pivotal role in shaping California's goals by producing reports and conducting regional roundtable discussions to identify opportunities and barriers. It has analyzed implementation challenges such as funding constraints and cumbersome processes, and has developed targeted solutions to address these issues.