Changdao archipelago in Shandong aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors by 2035. [Photo/IC]

Embarking on a transformative journey, Changdao archipelago in Yantai, East China's Shandong province, is dedicated to crafting an international zero-carbon oasis.

Nestled at the confluence of the Yellow and Bohai Seas, Changdao serves as a crucial marine ecological barrier in the Bohai Sea region. Moreover, as a pivotal part of Shandong province's marine ecological civilization comprehensive experimental area, it is responsible for pioneering new paths.

In 2021, Yantai unveiled its ambitious goal to establish Changdao as an "International Zero-Carbon Island", a vision consistently highlighted in government work reports over the following four years. At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai in December 2023, Yantai launched the "Changdao International Zero-Carbon Island Development Plan (2023-2035)", aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors by 2035.

Changdao is currently developing six comprehensive zero-carbon systems, encompassing emissions-free transportation, sustainable living, eco-friendly tourism, green livelihoods, a holistic zero-carbon environment, and island-wide carbon neutrality on Miaodao Island.

Furthermore, Changdao is focusing on comprehensive ecological conservation and restoration, actively exploring technologies for the restoration of seagrass beds and seaweed fields. Currently, a total of 21 hectares of seagrass beds and seaweed fields have been restored, significantly enhancing carbon sequestration capacity.

Across the globe, islands are facing pressing issues like rising sea levels and ocean acidification. Changdao’s international zero-carbon island initiative is of great significance in the realm of holistic island conservation and development and is poised to become a model for zero-carbon and carbon-negative progress on inhabited islands.