Macau

I hadn’t been to Macau in almost twenty years – and needless to say, the changes were quite stunning!! I was told that Macau now takes in more gambling revenue than Las Vegas. I don’t know about such facts, but looking at the place – the lights and casinos and glitter and construction — it’s really hard to argue. It’s certainly not the Macau that I remembered!

Macau Tower Convention Center Although Steve Wynn’s new casino and other attractions were very enticing, I was in Macau for somewhat more mundane purposes. The Energy Bureau of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and Macau’s Office for the Development of the Energy Sector were holding a two day conference on “Energy and the Road to Sustainable Development,” and I was invited to be the Keynote speaker. I discussed the evolving U.N. framework for addressing energy, as well as critical energy challenges (and opportunities!) that China faces. The conference was held at Macau’s Tower Convention & Entertainment Center — which offered a striking view reaching more than 50 kilometers into the rapidly developing mainland.