TED Talks Daily Sunday Pick: Tech Solutions (#3): How one of China’s biggest tech companies is tackling carbon removal (with Xu Hao)
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Nov 30, 2025 
Xu Hao, Vice President of Sustainable Social Value at Tencent, discusses the company's innovative approach to carbon removal. He dives into Tencent’s initiatives like the Carbon Neutrality Lab and CarbonX, emphasizing the urgency of addressing carbon emissions. Xu shares insights on how digital technology and gaming can educate millions about conservation, while advocating for corporate sustainability as a pathway to long-term value. He also analyzes the challenges and excitement around emerging carbon utilization startups in China.
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Cost Is The Core Obstacle
- The single barrier for carbon removal is cost; technologies must get cheaper to scale and make material impact.
- Without affordable options, industries risk locking in high-emission infrastructure for decades.
Startups Already Competing With Fossil Routes
- CarbonX found many winning startups in China focused on carbon utilization that already compete with fossil alternatives.
- Some startups produce cement, chemicals, and other materials using CO2 at similar or lower cost than traditional methods.
Use Digital Tech To Cut Industrial Emissions
- Use AI, machine learning, and cloud data to run plants far more granularly and efficiently, reducing resource and energy use.
- Apply digital tools like virtual power plants to match generation and demand and avoid costly storage overbuild.