Prize eyes new quality productive forces

A focus of the 2024 Paulson Prize will be on innovative practices that empower new quality productive forces, said experts.

The Paulson Institute, in partnership with Tsinghua University, announced on Monday that the 2024 Paulson Prize for Sustainability is accepting applications until June 30.

"One of the key focuses of the 2024 Paulson Prize will be innovative practices that empower new quality productive forces for sustainable development," said Zhuang Weimin, co-chair of the jury committee and professor of School of Architecture at Tsinghua University.

Zhuang said that green innovation projects in strategic emerging industries such as hydrogen energy, energy storage, biomanufacturing, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and new materials will be this year's focus.

"In the past ten years, the Paulson Prize has attracted transformative solutions in tackling climate change, including projects in strategic emerging industries. And these green innovations, which have been tested in China, can serve as examples for the rest of the world," said Zhuang.

"There is no more critical time than now to recognize solutions that will heal our planet. The Paulson Prize has contributed to efforts to accelerate a global transition to a net-zero and nature-positive future," said Deborah Lehr, vice chairman and executive director of the Paulson Institute. "Through the Prize, we look forward to continuing to support sustainable innovation with all of our partners and innovators."

"Climate change and the biodiversity loss are two major global problems facing humanity. We must reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality through green innovation to combat climate change, while protecting and restoring biodiversity to achieve harmony between man and nature," said Yang Bin, vice president of Tsinghua University.

The Paulson Prize presents awards in two categories—Green Innovation and Nature Stewardship—recognizing pioneering, sustainable projects in built environments and nature conservation.

Entities registered in Chinese mainland, including businesses, institutions, social organizations, and NGOs, are invited to submit projects that demonstrating ingenuity and leadership in sustainable development.