Climate Watch

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 Dr. Cui Guipeng with of the Chinese Academy of Forestry and Lin Kuocheng with The Nature Conservancy China Program on how these efforts combat desertification, improve livelihoods, and even contribute to global carbon markets—all while inspiring hope for sustainable solutions across the globe.

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 is also the Associate Dean of Institute of Carbon Neutrality at Peking University. Also, you can subscribe to our newsletter: https://climatewffei.substack.com/

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://climatewffei.substack.com/

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.