As China’s glaciers continue to melt, scientists scramble to understand the changes taking place, writes Niu Yuhan for China Dialogue Wen Xu recalls first climbing Muztagh Ata in Kashgar prefecture, Xinjiang, back in 2004. “The snow was thigh deep and we had to use snowshoes to spread our weight. Snow bridges allowed us to cross crevasses.” The scientist and explorer has now made the trip a dozen times, to collect …
Chinese EV brand BYD and Elon Musk’s Tesla have been battling it out to be the world’s biggest electric vehicle company in recent years. But as BYD seemingly pulls ahead, what are the implications for the rest of the industry and global markets as a whole? Chinese EV manufacturer BYD posted record sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in 2024, as Elon Musk’s Tesla saw sales slow for the first time …
China’s groundbreaking new renewable energy project, dubbed the ‘Solar Great Wall’, symbolises the country’s green energy ambitions, aiming to integrate renewable power production with ecological restoration, writes Tom Pattinson Stretching approximately 400 kilometres along the Yellow River in northern China, the Solar Great Wall is projected to generate enough clean energy to meet the entirety of Beijing’s electricity needs by 2030. According to China Daily, the project’s completion is expected …
Feng Yingxin and Soraya Kishtwari, writing for Dialogue Earth, explore this example of how urban areas can successfully integrate significant ecological habitats, reversing ecological decline in vulnerable delta regions Each spring, as Shenzhen’s mangroves burst into life, the region becomes a prime spot for birdwatchers observing the endangered black-faced spoonbill. Known as the giant panda of birds, this species winters in Shenzhen Bay from October to April, in preparation for …
China’s most important political meetings show the need for a balancing act between economic growth and emissions control, write Lin Zi and Cui Qiwen for China Dialogue The foundation for China’s sustained economic recovery and growth is not solid enough,” stated Premier Li Qiang in the government’s work report published on 5 March. The report is the central part of China’s “Two Sessions” meetings. Delivered by the premier, it outlines …
While China will come under international pressure on ‘loss and damage’ at COP28, there is still potential for climate cooperation with the US and contributions to the global emission-reduction agenda, writes Lin Zi for China Dialogue The COP28 UN climate conference, taking place from 30 November to 12 December in Dubai, will bring countries together to discuss measures to reduce warming emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change. …
Renewable energy projects have yet to appear in droves as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, but new coal power projects have largely been halted, writes You Xiaoying from China Dialogue Developing countries have a “huge interest” in Chinese companies and institutions helping with their green energy development, experts have told China Dialogue. But there has yet to be a surge of renewable energy projects finalised under the Belt …
Global affairs writer and researcher Timothy van Gardingen explores China’s major role in the world’s renewable energy infrastructure At the 75th General Assembly of the UN, China announced that it was committing to reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. President Xi Jinping called for all countries to commit to innovative green development, stating that exploiting the environment with little concern for conservation was no longer …
Despite global layoffs, green employment is rising following China’s carbon neutrality pledge, writes Jiang Mengnan for China Dialogue Around the world, tech and finance companies have been laying staff off. In 2022, tech firms’ payrolls fell by 164,000 employees, with a further 166,000 jobs cut in the first quarter of 2023, according to tracking platform Layoffs.fyi. In China, youth unemployment is also rising, hitting 20% this April. And yet for …
China’s active involvement in climate diplomacy can increase overseas understanding of its climate policies and bring impetus to global climate governance, writes Liu Yuanling from China Dialogue Tensions arising from globalisation are increasing, leading to a trend towards deglobalisation and making the international action the climate crisis calls for even harder. The Covid-19 pandemic left countries isolated and estranged. The war in Ukraine has led to antagonism and power struggles. …