Guizhou Network Radio and Television Station | Unveiling the role of technology in green development —Insights from academicians and experts

  On the morning of July 7, the forum themed "Technology-driven Green Development - The Role of Technology in Karst Ecosystem and Resource Utilization" took place at the Guiyang International Ecological Conference Center. This forum is one of the 17 thematic forums of the 2023 Eco Forum Global Guiyang. Over 10 experts and scholars from both home and abroad gathered to exchange ideas and engage in discussions covering a range of topics, including the karst ecological environment, resource utilization, carbon peaking, carbon neutralization, and water pollution prevention.

Hou Feng, Chairman of China Water Environment

Karst landforms present two major challenges: the heightened difficulty in sewage collection compared to other cities and the significant investment required for pipe network construction. How can these issues be addressed? Hou Feng, Chairman of China Water Environment, proposed a solution based on the Nanming River's decade-long exploration through scientific research and engineering experiments. This approach involves the coordinated integration of sewage treatment plants, pipe networks, water resources, and land resources to enhance resource utilization efficiency. The related technologies and applications implemented along the Nanming River in Guiyang have achieved a 45% reduction in investment compared to the traditional centralized treatment methods practiced in Western countries for centuries. This innovative approach merits a thorough and insightful summary.

Peng Yongzhen, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and chief professor of environmental science and engineering at Beijing University of Technology, shared the belief that after a decade of treatment, the Nanming River now boasts a more favorable environment and clearer water. Highlighting recent developments in Guiyang, he mentioned the establishment of 21 sunken sewage treatment plants aimed at enhancing water quality and reducing costs, aligning with the global low-carbon economy development model. He emphasized, "Currently, many river sections in Guiyang meet the water quality standards of Class III of surface water, which is very rare" .

Peng Yongzhen, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and chief professor of environmental science and engineering at Beijing University of Technology

"In the past decade, China has taken the lead in global environmental technology invention patent applications, contributing to over 60% of the total. Guizhou Province stands prominently within the nation's forefront in scientific and technological innovation, particularly in the field of ecological environment." Guo Chengzhan, Party Secretary and President of the China Association of Environmental Protection Industry, emphasized that the forum, themed "Technology-driven Green Development," seeks to deepen the integration of the primary productive forces of science and technology with the needs of ecological civilization construction, thus providing continuous innovative momentum for the ongoing development of ecological civilization.

The development of ecological civilization in karst regions necessitates enhanced international cooperation and exchanges, addressing various aspects such as the impact of human activities on the marine environment, environmental policies, climate policies formulated by Europe, and strategies to reduce biodiversity loss. ThorjØrn Larssen, Executive Dean of the Norwegian Institute for Water Research, who traveled from Europe, shared valuable insights into the European experience in ecological civilization construction during the forum. His presentation garnered applause from the audience.

An Shouhai, member of the Party Group and deputy director of the Guizhou Science and Technology Department

The forum was hosted by the Southern University of Science and Technology and the China Association of Environmental Protection Industry, and undertaken by the Guizhou Science and Technology Department. An Shouhai, a member of the Party Group and deputy director of the Provincial Science and Technology Department, emphasized the importance of accelerating the innovation of green technology for pursuing modernization of harmony between humanity and nature. He sees the forum as a valuable opportunity, with the participation of numerous academicians whose insights are actively being applied in Guizhou. The research and development achievements, particularly in solid waste treatment like the harmless resource utilization of phosphogypsum and manganese slag, represent the next key direction for advancing ecological civilization construction in Guizhou.