Another example is to develop containers to transport goods with plastic floors, so that the plastic can be recycled and reused.

Liu says he developed a keen interest in climate change issues because he has studied and worked abroad in many countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, France and Singapore, and the experience has allowed him to understand the importance of combating climate change in China.

Liu was to give a speech on climate change representing China during the Bangkok forum, in which he was to call on countries internationally to set binding targets on climate change and adhere to these targets by enforcing strict measures.

"I don't want China and other countries at the climate change conference in Paris to discuss who should take the blame for climate change, as I think countries should all do their part to fulfill these targets."

They should set targets within the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions framework because it takes into account many factors, including historical emissions and a country's or region's stage of development, so that it provides a fair and level playing field for all countries and is legally binding, he says.

"I hope the climate change conference will be able to create a transparent system of emissions cap and trade that is global and sustainable," Liu says. "China has already announced that it will start its own carbon emissions cap and trading market in 2017, which is very positive, and as other countries follow suit we can establish a global system that is accountable and works efficiently."

Liu says within this cap and trade system there should be incentives for businesses to innovate for efficient technology to reduce the costs of production. Developed countries could also fund and support emerging economies to implement environmentally friendly practices.

He says he wanted to give the speech so that the world would understand that young people from China care greatly about the environment and that they are keen to take action to improve the environment.

Like Deng and Liu, William Luk, of Hong Kong, is a young manager who cares deeply about the environment. As an associate for Standard Chartered bank, he has been involved in charity work helping less privileged children in China.

He helps the bank's charity effort to organize books, toys and mooncakes donated by his colleagues.

"While the more obvious objective of these donation campaigns is to redistribute them to the needy and share the joy, the more important objective is to raise awareness of our excesses," the 24-year-old says.

"For example, Hong Kong, a city of 7 million people, threw away 2 million mooncakes in 2012. As many of our colleagues receive mooncakes from friends, family and clients, the annual donation campaign aims to remind them of how unnecessary this waste is."

Luk says he is optimistic about the Paris conference and hopes various governments can reach a legally binding agreement.

"I am hopeful that a universal agreement with substantial action points to keep global warming below the critical threshold of 2 degrees is likely. Such actions will likely include emissions cuts, increased investment and implementation of renewable energy for both developed and developing nations, and a framework for continuous talks and monitoring.

"One challenge is determining the extent to which the agreement is legally binding. That will be key to the effectiveness of the treaty and, consequentially, our survival."

cecily.liu@mail.chinadailyuk.com