Climate Watch delves into the pressing climate tipping points that loom large on the horizon. We deliver the latest updates on the climate change landscape and shed light on the urgent need for collective efforts in tackling climate change. By talking to locals, experts, and activists from across the world, we aim to inspire and empower listeners to be part of the solution. Join our weekly journey into the heart of climate change for a sustainable future for generations to come.
In this episode of Climate Watch, we explore the significance of China’s first-ever Energy Law, which aims to support renewable energy development and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Why did it take two decades to finalize? What does it mean for China’s carbon neutrality goals? We unpacked these questions with Professor Lin Boqiang of Xiamen University.
Happy holidays! In this year-end special, we look back on 2024 and its significant impact on humanity and the planet. This episode revisits key discussions about how climate change is transforming food systems, affecting public health, and testing global responses. These conversations inspire us to reconsider our connection with nature and envision a future where humans and the planet thrive together. As we wrap up our final episode of the year, we want to thank you for joining us and wish you a...
Last week, Chinese leaders gathered in Beijing for the Central Economic Work Conference to review this year’s progress and set priorities for 2025. While the meeting often grabs headlines for its economic and financial signals, it also carries major implications for climate policy. In this episode, we unpack the key takeaways from the conference, focusing on green and low-carbon development, carbon trading, and energy transition, with Ma Jun, Director of the Institute of Public and Environmental...
Desertification is a growing threat to ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide. Innovative solutions are making a difference. This week at COP16 in Riyadh, China highlighted its decades-long fight against desertification, showcasing projects that blend ecological restoration with community development. From the expansive Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program to collaboration on Africa's Great Green Wall, China is sharing lessons learned in tackling shifting sands. In this episode, we explore with ...
Another international meeting aimed at addressing plastic pollution has ended without an agreement. INC-5, held in South Korea, was expected to make significant progress toward a global plastics treaty. Instead, we heard familiar calls for urgency and action—echoes of the recent COP29 climate summit. But are these urgent messages losing their impact? In this episod, we explore why we should reshape the climate narrative with a message of hope with Professor Wang Binbin of Peking University. She ...
COP29 has wrapped up in Baku, and while a deal was reached, many left wondering if it’s enough. Wealthy nations pledged US$300 billion annually to support developing countries—but is it really sufficient to address the climate crisis? In this episode, we explore the complexities behind climate finance with Liu Shuang, China Finance Director at the World Resources Institute. We also explored the role countries like China play in the global effort. Also, you can subscribe to our newsletter: https:...
Welcome to our COP29 special series, Greener China: A journey to 2060. Carbon intensive industrial plants in Northeast China are committed to a green production path amid the country’s target to reach carbon net zero by 2060. However, issues like funds, technology and talent exodus are slowing down their steps. We explore what challenges the industrial giants in the region encounter and what the potential solutions are.
Welcome to our COP29 special series, Greener China: A journey to 2060. A 2022 report from the International Energy Agency revealed that the industrial sector contributes over a quarter of global CO2 emissions. In China’s pursuit of carbon neutrality, heavy industrial bases in the northeastern region play a key role with their transformation to green production. We uncover what measures the industrial plants are taking in tackling carbon emissions.
Welcome to our COP29 special series, Greener China: A journey to 2060. As China has set the goal to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, Northeast China, the birthplace of the country’s industrial development, has been stepping up its efforts to promote low-carbon transformation to optimize its industrial sectors. We delve into the evolving mindset driving this transformation and the increasing public focus on carbon emissions.
Welcome to our COP29 special series, Greener China: A journey to 2060. Despite its remarkably rich diversity of life, Yunnan faces a series of challenges in biodiversity conservation.
Welcome to our COP29 special series, Greener China: A journey to 2060. We venture onto Gaoligong Mountain in southwest China to explore how this ark of wildlife has transformed through decades of conservation.
As COP29 unfolds in Baku, Azerbaijan, the world is watching to see what these negotiations will mean for the planet and our future. New agreements on carbon markets and tough discussions on climate financing bring both hopes for progress and tension over what lies ahead. In this episode, we sit down with Professor Teng Fei to unpack the complex issues of climate finance and carbon markets. Also, you can subscribe to our newsletter: https://climatewffei.substack.com/
Welcome to our COP29 special series, Greener China: A journey to 2060. As China is striving to bolster biodiversity and achieve its “dual carbon goals,” we head to Yunnan, a natural haven in the southwest, to find out how people there have been adapting their mindset to the new reality.
Welcome to our COP29 special series, Greener China: A journey to 2060. Despite China's efforts to raise awareness and increase efforts to protect the environment and lower carbon emissions, tough challenges lie ahead.
Welcome to our COP29 special series, Greener China: A journey to 2060. Over the past decades, China’s ecological restoration efforts have evolved from an initial focus on specific issues to a comprehensive approach centered on ecological integrity, though there is still a long way to go.
Welcome to our COP29 special series, Greener China: A journey to 2060. Ecosystems play a crucial role in regulating CO₂ levels by absorbing and storing carbon through plants, soil, and oceans, helping to mitigate climate change. While China has been intensifying its efforts in this area, public awareness of ecological restoration is growing but still falls short.
Southern Chinese city of Guangzhou is battling dengue fever spread which is driven by warming climate. We checked with Professor Wu Zhiwei from Nanjing University on how viruses are changed by the climate. Ahead of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, health experts are stepping forward to raise awareness in climate-related health risks. The Lancet’s launched a dense report reviewing extreme weather events and their impacts on public health. We check on the China report in Beijing. Professor Cai Wenjia to...
In this episode of Climate Watch, we’re diving into one of the most exciting seasons for bird watchers in China as millions of migratory birds take to the skies. Some are making a quick stop on their journey south, while others are settling in for winter. Along the way, wetlands play a vital role, serving as pit stops for these feathered travelers. We’ll explore the importance of wetlands for ecosystems with Linda Wong with the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation....
COP16 is in full swing in Cali, Colombia, with nearly 200 countries gathering to shape new action plans for biodiversity conservation. We caught up with Doreen Robinson, the Head of Biodiversity and Land at UN Environment Programme and Linda Krueger, Director of Biodiversity and Infrastructure Policy at The Nature Conservancy, to get a feel for the atmosphere and insights from the convention. Plus, we spoke with Professor Xie Yi of Beijing Forestry University specializing in wildlife conservatio...
October 16th is World Food Day, and in this episode of Climate Watch, we dived into how new tech is shaking up the farming game with special guest, young engineer Guo Jie from Zhejiang University. But it’s not just about making farming easier—it’s about making it greener too. We explored innovations that are cutting back on chemicals and slashing emissions, all while making our food healthier and more sustainable. We sat down with UNEP expert James Lomax on how these changes are impacting our li...
Hurricane Milton. Super Typhoon Yagi. These record-breaking storms are not only threatening lives but also overwhelming the rescue and relief efforts of nations, as extreme weather events spiral further out of control. A 2023 report from the World Meteorological Organization highlights the growing challenge for scientists to predict what comes next in this turbulent climate era. So, how do we prepare for the unpredictable? In this episode, Climate Watch spoke with Professor Guan Dabo from Tsingh...
September 29 marks the fifth annual International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction, established by the United Nations. This day aims to spotlight the importance of reducing food waste and loss, which contribute to 8-10% of total emissions in the agrifood system. However, achieving this goal is easier said than done. One major challenge lies with the public: how can households effectively reduce or even eliminate food waste? In this episode of The Climate Watch, we spoke with Wu ...
Climate change is a significant driver of human migration. Egyptian climate expert Sawsan Elawady provides insights into the growing trend of climate migration and shares strategies to address its challenges.
China has pledged to work with African countries to achieve energy transition and green development on the continent, as part of the actions plan announced at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing.
Climate change is lifting sea levels and threatening the existence of many Pacific Island countries. China has joined them in discussions at a regional forum on responding to the challenges, and is offering assistance with solar, hydro and wind power facilities.
Climate change has disrupted or delayed the wildlife migration in East Africa, dubbed as one of Seven Wonders of the Natural World. How will it affect the wildebeest population? And what are some of its implications to the ecosystem?
Renewable energy now accounts for more than half of China's total installed power generation capacity. Meanwhile, a 10-year fishing ban on the country's longest river has improved the Yangtze River ecosystem. We look at China's plans and projects under the construction of its ecological civilization.
The solar term "Start of Autumn" arrived in China among the dog days of summer. It promises a respite from hot days but some regions may have to wait. Meteorologists help us understand the shifts in weather patterns during this period and their causes.
From recyclable materials inside stadiums and athlete apartments to food from local, family-run farms near the host city, the Paris Olympic Games is hoping to leave its mark in Olympic history not only for achievements from competitions, but also in sustainability.
Industry leaders in China are setting examples in reducing carbon emissions in petrochemical production and transportation. How are they developing New Quality Productive Forces by committing to China’s dual carbon goals?
