2024 US-China Low-Carbon and Sustainable Cities Dialogue

In line with the goals of The Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis between the United States and China, the Paulson Institute, in conjunction with the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), successfully hosted the 2024 US-China Low-Carbon and Sustainable Cities Dialogue at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago on July 22. This event is an offshoot of the Subnational Dialogue between the United States and China, which President Biden and President Xi agreed to. The intent is to share experiences, know-how, and learnings among subnational governments, businesses, and think tanks around the development of green cities. 

Paulson Institute Chairman Hank Paulson and CPAFFC President Yang chaired the event, bringing together current and former mayors, architects, and city development leaders to explore how to better incorporate nature into city design—and the benefits that doing so creates. The opening session featured powerful remarks from Hank Paulson, the CPAFFC President, and the Consul General of China in Chicago. The dialogue included insightful discussions among mayors, thought leaders, and business representatives from both nations, who exchanged ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions for green development, sustainable urban governance, and nature-friendly cities. The event concluded with compelling summary speeches from Deborah Lehr, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of the Paulson Institute, and Shen Xin, Secretary-General of CPAFFC. 

Chairman Paulson and President Yang discussed advancing climate change collaboration between local governments in the US and China. Recognizing climate change as a global challenge, they emphasized that we can only effectively address this issue through cooperation. This dialogue is a new starting point to encourage the exchange of best practices and foster practical cooperation. The group discussed how local officials, businesses, and think tanks benefit from exchanging ideas and solutions to address the issues of climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Local officials are on the front lines in addressing these climate challenges.

Collaboration has become more challenging as both nations implement measures like discriminatory subsidies, export controls, and tariffs to protect their respective clean tech industries, such as solar energy and electric vehicles. In light of this, the responsibility increasingly falls on sub-national actors—such as cities and NGOs—to demonstrate how progress is still possible in these areas.

Former Mayors Michael Nutter of Philadelphia and Lori Lightfoot of Chicago shared their unique experiences as pioneers in greening their cities, integrating nature into design, and building sustainable urban futures. Their remarks were followed by presentations from Chinese mayors, who showcased their innovative actions and governance strategies to promote green development and enhance the ecological environment. Senior leaders from World Business Chicago, Current, an innovative water company, the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill, and thought leaders from think tanks and academic institutions offered their insights and explained proven approaches in sustainable urban planning, community governance, biodiversity, nature-based solutions, and environmental management. 

Mr. Paulson emphasized that at the federal level, climate cooperation has been increasingly overshadowed by green trade conflicts. Collaboration has become more challenging as both nations implement measures like discriminatory subsidies, export controls, and tariffs to protect their respective clean tech industries, such as solar energy and electric vehicles. In light of this, the responsibility increasingly falls on sub-national actors—such as cities and NGOs—to demonstrate how progress is still possible in these areas.

The day's discussions showed that city, state, and other sub-national-level leaders are able to collaborate, even amidst broader bilateral tensions. While cities worldwide have contributed to carbon emissions and biodiversity loss, they also hold tremendous potential for positive solutions that will significantly impact climate change and a sustainable future.  

As part of the event, Paulson Institute Board member Wendy Paulson led the speakers and Chinese delegation on a nature hike through the Burnham Wildlife Corridor (BWC). The BWC, known for its expansive natural area along Chicago’s lakefront, boasts diverse ecosystems, including native prairie, savanna, and woodland, which provide vital habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife. During the hike, the delegation engaged in an enriching morning filled with informative on-site lectures by Wendy and other experts. The experience helped foster meaningful connections with the revitalized green space and inspired a deeper appreciation for nature, exploration, and stewardship.