Recently, the 136th Canton Fair hosted a green space event, marking a historic achievement as it became the first time the fair has achieved carbon neutrality. A representative from the Guangzhou Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau presented the carbon neutrality certificate during the ceremony.

The carbon neutrality for the exhibition was reached through the implementation of emission reduction measures prior to the event, followed by an estimation of carbon emissions during the fair. This allowed for the purchase of “voluntary emissions reductions” to balance out CO2 emissions, ultimately achieving carbon neutrality.

Known as “China’s No. 1 Fair,” the Canton Fair is committed to the national strategies for carbon peak and carbon neutrality. The current fair fully embraced a green exhibition approach, effectively reducing carbon emissions and exploring the possibility of zero-carbon events. By offsetting its total carbon emissions through purchasing local carbon reduction projects in Guangzhou, the fair successfully achieved its carbon neutrality goal for the first time. This initiative has set a precedent for green exhibitions in China, showcasing the fair’s commitment and responsibility as a large-scale event while serving as an important model for the global exhibition industry to advance its green development and transformation.

As noted, China is currently in a critical phase of ecological civilization construction, focusing on carbon reduction. The “dual carbon” policy framework is being accelerated, with Guangzhou actively implementing the national strategy for carbon peak and carbon neutrality. The city is enhancing carbon emission constraints, improving the carbon sink capacity of its ecosystems, and promoting green, low-carbon development in both urban and rural areas. This year, Guangzhou has taken the lead among major cities in China to create a model for a beautiful China, setting five demonstration goals that include sustainable green low-carbon development.