This event is hosted by the Johns Hopkins SAIS Foreign Policy Institute, the Paulson Institute, the Johns Hopkins SAIS China Studies Program, and the Johns Hopkins SAIS Energy, Resources, and Environment Program.

China is the world’s largest carbon emitter, but it has announced ambitious goals for achieving a low carbon economy. President Xi is also using this issue as a means to distinguish China from other countries. Key to realizing these goals is the ability to pay for them. Most governments, including China, are able to only cover a small percentage of the costs from public funds, so therefore must find ways to attract private sector financing to promote sustainability. This is one of the reasons that China has made the development of the green finance infrastructure as a top priority. Why is green finance so important for China? What are the implications for the United States? And how will green finance play out as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative?

Introduction

Madelyn Ross, Associate Director of China Studies, Johns Hopkins SAIS

Moderator

Deborah Lehr, Vice Chairman, Paulson Institute

Panelists

Daniel Besley
Senior Climate Change Specialist of Carbon Markets and Innovation at the World Bank

Jennifer Turner
Director, China Environment Forum & Manager, Global Choke Point Initiative, Wilson Center

Johannes Urpelainen
Director and Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Professor of Energy, Resources and Environment, Johns Hopkins SAIS

This event is open to the media and on the record.
For disability accommodations, please contact event organizer at saisevents@jhu.edu or 202-999-3332.