China’s Climate Champions Speak Out

In a year marked by extreme weather, China Dialogue turned to experts in China to hear their thoughts on what happened and what they’re proud of. These folks, from universities and groups helping the environment, shared some important ideas.

They told China Dialogue that climate change isn’t just something happening far away—it’s our new reality. China’s response to this is super important, not just in big policies, but also in everyday actions.

One expert, Chen Ying, a researcher at the Research Institute for Eco-civilization, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, talked about good things happening globally, like countries agreeing to use less fossil fuels. But she also warned about a new tax in Europe that could cause problems if it’s not handled carefully.

Chen also pointed out some good news from China, like selling lots of electric cars and using more renewable energy. But she’s worried about China building more coal power plants because they’re bad for the environment.

She reminded us that climate change isn’t just about hot temperatures—it’s about big changes in nature. But despite the challenges, Chen is proud of her work teaching people about how to make the world cleaner and greener.

In simple terms, Chen and others like her are showing us that while the problems are big, there are things we can do to make a difference and create a better future.

Looking back at 2023, Ma Jun from the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs (IPE) sees COP28 in Dubai as a game-changer. It brought countries together to agree on cutting down fossil fuels, making the idea of cleaner, low-carbon development feel more real. Ma emphasizes the need for China to balance reducing carbon emissions, fighting pollution, and building a greener economy by making sure development stays high-quality.

He also points out the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), which can help in many ways but also uses a lot of energy and water. Ma asks how we can use AI to help fight climate change without making things worse.

Ma also talks about the growing focus on keeping our planet healthy. He says we need to respect nature’s limits and live in harmony with it while keeping people and the environment safe.

Meanwhile, Liu Jinmei from Friends of Nature is focused on China’s fight against air pollution. She sees progress but warns that there’s still a lot of work to do. Liu is proud of a program called Linglong, which helps regular people take action on climate change. It’s not just about big things like cutting emissions; it’s also about everyday choices and actions.

Liu wants to show people that they can make a difference, no matter who they are or what they do. Through programs like Linglong, she hopes to inspire more young people to get involved in protecting our planet.

Yuan Ying, representing Greenpeace East Asia, highlights the escalating frequency of extreme weather events worldwide, stressing how they’re pushing humanity out of our ‘comfort zone’ for sustainable living. She identifies China’s energy system’s decarbonization as a pivotal trend, despite the ongoing pressures for energy security and economic growth. With renewables now surpassing coal in installed capacity, the shift towards cleaner energy sources offers hope for meeting China’s ambitious dual-carbon goals.

In technology, Yuan applauds China’s strides in electric vehicles (EVs) and battery technology, foreseeing a pivotal role in leading the global transition away from fossil fuels. She shares Greenpeace East Asia’s efforts in raising awareness and advocating for environmental policies, from publishing reports on climate impacts to organizing climate-themed events and engaging with industry leaders to commit to climate goals.

Meanwhile, Wang Songlin, founder of the Qingdao Marine Conservation Society (QMCS), sheds light on the rising importance of social equity in marine conservation efforts. He underscores the need to integrate local ecological knowledge and engage coastal communities, particularly those reliant on subsistence fishing, in conservation initiatives.

Wang emphasizes the evolving policy landscape, including amendments recognizing the rights of Indigenous inhabitants in protected areas.

In QMCS’s work, Wang highlights the collaboration with researchers to study and conserve seahorse habitats, blending traditional fisheries knowledge with scientific research. This approach not only contributes to biodiversity conservation but also fosters community involvement in marine conservation efforts.

Both Yuan and Wang’s insights underscore the multifaceted challenges of environmental conservation and the importance of community engagement and policy reform in tackling them.

As we heed their insights and embrace the call to action, let us stand united in safeguarding our planet for generations to come. The collective wisdom of China’s climate champions highlights a critical junction at which humanity stands today, facing the dual challenge of mitigating climate change and adapting to its inevitable impacts. Their insights offer not just a reflection on what has been achieved, but also a roadmap for the journey ahead. This journey requires an unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and a profound respect for the natural world that sustains us.

The narrative woven by experts like Chen Ying, Ma Jun, Liu Jinmei, Yuan Ying, and Wang Songlin underscores a holistic approach to climate action, one that transcends mere technological fixes or policy interventions. It calls for a cultural shift towards sustainability that permeates every level of society—from individual lifestyle choices to the global economic system. Their stories remind us that the fight against climate change is not just about reducing emissions or protecting endangered species; it is fundamentally about redefining our relationship with the planet.

At the heart of this transformative vision is the recognition of the interconnectedness of all life and the understanding that the health of our planet is inextricably linked to our own well-being. This perspective necessitates a shift from exploitation to stewardship, from competition to cooperation, and from short-term gains to long-term sustainability. The insights from China’s climate heroes illuminate the path forward, highlighting the need for policies that prioritize environmental integrity, social equity, and economic resilience.

Moreover, their emphasis on community engagement and the empowerment of local actors reflects a deep understanding of the complexities of environmental conservation. By fostering a sense of ownership and participation, we can mobilize a powerful force for change that is rooted in the diverse experiences and knowledge of communities around the world. This bottom-up approach, coupled with top-down policy support, creates a dynamic synergy that can accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

In embracing the call to action laid out by China’s climate champions, we are invited to envision a world where humanity thrives in harmony with nature. This vision demands bold leadership, innovative solutions, and a collective commitment to act with urgency and determination. As we stand united in safeguarding our planet, let us draw inspiration from the resilience, creativity, and passion of those leading the charge against climate change. Together, we can forge a legacy of environmental stewardship that honors the generations to come, ensuring that our planet remains a vibrant, life-sustaining home for all its inhabitants.