Broadcasts.com - "124. We Need To Talk About China" (Outrage + Optimism)

Science
RELATED

124. We Need To Talk About China

Published: Oct. 29, 2021, 1:05 a.m.

China.\xa0

On one hand, the country is the world\u2019s largest source of carbon emissions, an economic and political powerhouse resting on a thick cloud of hydrocarbon pollution, contrary to the goals of the Paris Agreement. On the other hand, President Xi Jinping has set the stage for China to emerge as an environmental leader, with the highest reforestation rate in the world; it makes and buys more electric cars than any other country by far; and is the world\u2019s top renewable energy investor for the eighth consecutive year, including manufacturing 80% of solar cells globally.

It is clear that China has the power to determine whether we can limit global temperature rise\xa0 to 1.5 degrees celsius. As we head into the COP26 international climate discussions, all eyes will be on the indomitable diplomatic skills of China and America\u2019s special envoys for climate, Xie Xanhau and John Kerry, who brought about significant pact between the world\u2019s two top polluters that significantly influenced the success of the Paris Agreement.\xa0

This week we talk with Peggy Liu, a leading catalyst of a greener China and Former Prime Minister of Australia and President of the Asia Society, Kevin Rudd, who offers deep insight into China\u2019s climate goals and trajectory of travel, gleaned over 35 years of working with the Chinese Government.\xa0\xa0

Enjoy the show!

\u2014

Christiana + Tom\u2019s book \u2018The Future We Choose\u2019 is available now!

Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter: Signals Amidst The Noise

\u2014

Thank you to our guests this week, Peggy Liu and Kevin Rudd!

Peggy Liu

Chair of JUCCCE, board member of Drawdown, Governor of Hillary Institute

Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

JUCCCE

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Vimeo

Kevin Rudd