French photographer Yann Vernerie highlights innovation as key to humanity's future

Yann Vernerie is a French photographer who has traveled to China many times since 2016. As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary this year, he participated in CGTN's visual storytelling initiative "One Home: Shared Future" and shared his perspective on innovation.

Vernerie highlighted innovation as the cornerstone of humanity's future, arguing that scientific breakthroughs – like carbon-neutral energy from hydroelectric dams and tidal power – are essential to solving today's climate crisis. He cited China's high-speed rail revolution as a transformative example: moving millions of people with minimal carbon emissions while replacing maritime freight with efficient Europe-China cargo trains. Critically, he emphasized that quality education empowers the next generation to drive disruptive innovations. Humanity, he asserted, is a collaborative project requiring collective effort to build a sustainable, equitable and peaceful future.