In the heart of Beijing, Xiaobin Dong, a researcher at Beijing Normal University, is charting a new course for one of China’s most ancient and revered industries: traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Dong’s latest work, published in China Engineering Science, delves into the intersection of TCM and carbon neutrality, offering a roadmap for the industry’s high-quality, low-carbon future. This research isn’t just about preserving tradition; it’s about revolutionizing it for a sustainable, profitable future.
The TCM industry, a cornerstone of China’s economic and social landscape, is at a crossroads. The country’s ambitious “dual carbon” goals—peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060—present both challenges and opportunities. Dong’s research examines these through the lens of policy, economics, society, and technology.
One of the most pressing issues is the tension between resource protection and utilization. “The prominent contradiction between resource protection and utilization is a significant challenge,” Dong notes. This is where the energy sector comes in. By intensifying research on the carbon footprint of TCM, the industry can identify areas for improvement and innovation. This could lead to new, low-carbon production technologies, creating opportunities for energy companies to develop and supply clean technologies tailored to TCM.
Dong’s research also highlights the need for improved green and low-carbon industrial chains. This is where the energy sector’s expertise in renewable energy and carbon management can be invaluable. By collaborating with TCM manufacturers, energy companies can help create more sustainable, efficient supply chains. This could involve anything from developing renewable energy sources for TCM production to implementing carbon capture and storage technologies.
But the opportunities don’t stop at production. Dong suggests promoting the circular and comprehensive utilization of TCM resources. This could involve using TCM byproducts in other industries, such as agriculture or feed production. Energy companies could play a role here too, by developing technologies to convert these byproducts into biofuels or other energy sources.
Dong’s research outlines seven key measures for the TCM industry’s low-carbon future. These include perfecting support policies, promoting low-carbon development through standards, and establishing a multi-party participation development path. Each of these presents opportunities for the energy sector to engage, innovate, and profit.
The implications of Dong’s research are far-reaching. By embracing carbon neutrality, the TCM industry can enhance its international competitiveness, attract investment, and drive economic growth. For the energy sector, this presents a wealth of opportunities. From developing new technologies to creating sustainable supply chains, the path to carbon neutrality is paved with potential.
As Dong puts it, “The high-quality development of the TCM industry in the context of carbon neutrality is not just a theoretical exploration, but a practical guide for the industry’s future.” This future is one where tradition meets innovation, where sustainability drives profitability, and where the energy sector plays a pivotal role. The journey to carbon neutrality is just beginning, but with researchers like Dong leading the way, the future of TCM—and the energy sector—looks bright.