Young people around the globe are concerned about climate change, and alumnus Jasper Haoran Zhang is making sure their voices are heard. His own concern for the use of fossil fuels compelled him to change course from a background in chemical engineering in China to study sustainable energy systems throughout Europe at EIT InnoEnergy Master School. Now back in Shanghai, his current role in the carbon management department and ESG office of sustainable energy and digital company Envision Group allows him to follow his dream of helping create a net-zero world. And since he feels that renewable energy and efficiency improvement are key areas to achieve this, he tirelessly spends his free time connecting with young people to promote these ideas and the job opportunities these fields provide.
Giving youth a voice
This youth activism started during his studies, where he organised monthly environmental campaigns and ran a podcast called “Let’s TalC” (the C is for climate!) to help young people learn more about international climate policies and green opportunities in China. After graduation he joined a local NGO, the China Youth Climate Action Network, as a youth empowerment officer for two years. He continues to use his friendly, open style to connect easily with the youth at conferences worldwide, such as the World Urban Forum this past June in Poland or last year’s COP26 in Glasgow. At COP26, he organised a side event in the China Corporate Pavilion that focused on improving youth voices and their impact on climate issues. He was also the country coordinator of the UNFCCC Conference of Youth, where he contributed a ‘Youth Statement’ to COP26 and UNFCCC from the insights he gathered from China’s young people. As Jasper puts it, “Topics related to youth always give people hope. When young people propose constructive ideas, it can inspire those in power to move these ideas forward.”
A change in direction
With a degree in Chemical Engineering in 2018, Jasper saw first-hand how traditional coal power plants have an impact in the ecosystem and humans through air pollution. He shares, “I realised that sustainable energy was the only way to change the future. After working in an NGO, I thought that technological innovation driven by policy reform is vital to this sustainable energy transition – so I wanted courses in both energy policy/economics and renewable energy technologies. Therefore, I chose the MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems programme at EIT InnoEnergy Master School. The project-based study experience really impressed me and our direct cooperation with consultancies, companies, and research centres provides real-world experience. I also enjoyed new perspectives from studying with students from such diverse backgrounds. It greatly enhanced my communication skills and has resulted in many new friendships!”
Studying abroad
Jasper shares the benefits of studying at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden and AGH University of Science and Technology in Poland. “It was fantastic! Two universities/countries meant I could meet more friends. We travelled to different countries for seminars and site visits and could choose our own location for our big projects. Both universities have excellent research facilities and a top reputation. I enjoyed KTH a lot, especially the hybrid model with remote classes. The class recordings were very helpful for self-study, review, and exam prep. Life in Stockholm is also cool! I stayed in a student village close to a beautiful forest where I could walk there every day to relax.” He also enjoyed AGH in Poland, which he chose based on his original thesis idea of coal power plant transition (a great place to do this), but his interest in demand-side management (DSM) for SMEs led him to a feasibility study of DSM for microbreweries instead, which are as he points out with a playful wink, “a very popular SME in Poland.”
Inspiring Action
Today, Jasper is back in Shanghai, fully utilising the expertise gained during his studies. At Envision Group, his job is to enlarge its zero-carbon network through the power of the market and business – and to provide solutions for pioneer enterprises, local governments, and other relevant entities to accelerate the achievement of their net-zero goals. And he still connects with the youth to inspire action. As he tells them, “We need to take action to help bring green methodologies to all industries. You may be students right now, but you could soon be general managers of enterprises, directors of research institutes, or officers of public departments… we are the ones that will make the change happen. There are big job opportunities waiting for us young people!”