Faculty members from the China-UK Low Carbon College (LCC) of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) made contributions to the recently concluded 9th Annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (SCL)‌. The event convened over 200 experts from 27 countries and regions to explore pathways for urban sustainability. LCC participants Dr. Song Dongping, Dr. Tong Kangkang, Dr. Yu Haishan and Dr. Zhang Yuquan brought valuable perspectives from low-carbon transition and climate change research into the global dialogue.

With the theme of "The Evolutionary Cities and Landscapes at the Pacific Rim", the conference featured diverse forums on climate resilience, inclusive design, biodiversity, and technological innovation. LCC faculty members actively engaged in this multidisciplinary exchange, showcasing the commitment of LCC to addressing complex environmental challenges.

Contributions by LCC Faculty Members

Dr. Song Dongping (Working Group 01 - Climate Justice and Community Resilience, Climate Adaptation and Urban Transformation)‌

Highlighting the unique vulnerabilities of the Arctic region, Dr. Song connected his research on Arctic Ocean climate change to broader discussions on climate justice and community resilience. He emphasized the disproportionate risks faced by indigenous and northern communities. Dr. Song noted that "Although my own research background is rooted in Arctic Ocean climate change, this working group helped me to think more deeply about how Arctic climate feedbacks can be connected with community resilience, climate justice, indigenous knowledge, and adaptation governance". He found the field trip to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall particularly insightful for linking theoretical discussions with real-world urban contexts.

Dr. Tong Kangkang (Thematic Session Presenter & Working Group 01 Participant)‌

Dr. Tong presented her research on ‌"City-wide energy-water-carbon nexus associated with key infrastructure provisioning sectors"‌ in a thematic session. Her participation in the Climate Justice working group led to "fruitful conversation" and she exchanged ideas with scholars from New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and the United States on sustainable urban systems, enriching her research network and perspective.

Dr. Yu Haishan (Working Group 01 - Climate Justice and Community Resilience, Climate Adaptation and Urban Transformation)‌

For Dr. Yu, the conference was a deeply inspiring interdisciplinary experience. She was particularly moved by the keynote speech ‌"From Dilettante to Total Design",‌ which offered a fresh perspective on the designer's role. In the Climate Justice working group, Dr. Yu shared a case study on fossil fuel workers in Shanxi Province, which is previously used in a UCL-SJTU Hackathon, to make the concept tangible. "Through reflective case discussions, I came to realize that climate justice is not an abstract concept, but something embedded in diverse local contexts and everyday transitions", Dr. Yu reflected. 

Dr. Zhang Yuquan (Working Group 04 - Human Development and Nature Preservation & Student Forum Co-Moderator)‌

Dr. Zhang played a dual role at the conference. He joined the working group on Human Development and Nature Preservation, where participants shared case studies on balancing development with ecosystem preservation. Furthermore, he co-moderated the Student Forum on ‌Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation,‌ guiding vibrant discussions among student representatives on topics ranging from heat adaptation to flood-resilient infrastructure. Dr. Zhang described the conference as featuring "heated discussion and insightful comments".

Broadening Perspectives and Fostering Collaboration

As noted in the conference summary, addressing global challenges requires breaking down disciplinary and national barriers. The active involvement of LCC faculty members exemplifies SJTU's strategic commitment to fostering an open, collaborative innovation ecosystem. Their contributions helped bridge research on low-carbon systems with practical, justice-oriented approaches to urban transformation, solidifying the role of SJTU and LCC as leaders in shaping a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for the Pacific Rim and beyond.