Invited by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), professor Li Yutong from the School of Civil Engineering at Chongqing University attended the 9th Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum (APAN) and delivered a presentation.

In the in-depth seminar on “Global Cooling and Sustainable Development Cities,” Li Yutong presented the “Zephyr City Urban Microclimate Management” project. The project is guided by academician Yukio Tamura from Chongqing University, professor Yang Qingshan, and professor Xie Jintian from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. It is jointly led and implemented by China Coal Technology & Engineering Group and professor Li Yutong, and has received support from the World Bank Green Environmental Fund as well as relevant departments of the Yuzhong District Government in Chongqing.

Mr. Karma Rapten, Regional Expert of the Climate Change Division at the United Nations Development Programme, commented that the “Breezy City” has scientific novelty, technological advancement, and global demonstration significance, and supports its international replication under the leadership of the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Development Programme. Mr. Benjamin Hickman, head of the Climate Change Unit at the Urban Environment Division of the United Nations Environment Programme, affirmed that the “Breezy City” project uses the temperature difference created by cool roofs to drive buoyancy circulation, achieving an integrated solution for passive cooling and urban ventilation. Mr. Albert Dela Cruz, member of the Climate Change Commission of the Office of the President of the Philippines, stated that the combination of natural ventilation and cool roofs is expected to be widely applied in ASEAN, and looks forward to introducing the concept of “Breezy City” to mega-cities in the ASEAN region.

At the ministerial-level roundtable and thematic seminar sessions, Li Yutong systematically introduced the relevant research of Chongqing University’s wind engineering team and reported on the global activities of the Non-Synoptic Winds Working Group of the International Association for Wind Engineering. This working group is academically guided by academician Yukio Tamura, led by professors Yang Qingshan and Li Yutong, with experts such as professors Li Xiao and Yan Bowen participating.

H.E. Rizwana Hasan, Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change of Bangladesh, stated that the research work of Chongqing University and the International Association for Wind Engineering strongly supports the United Nations’ goals for disaster prevention and mitigation, and is of great significance to agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, urban development, and energy.

The 9th Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum was held from September 29 to October 3, 2025, at the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand. It is a key platform for dialogue on climate adaptation in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together representatives from government departments, academic and research institutions, international organizations, financial institutions, civil society, and the private sector to exchange solutions for addressing climate challenges.