Weekend Long Read: Xie Zhenhua Lays Out Benefits of the China-U.S. Climate Deal

To commemorate Caixin's 15-year anniversary, past interviews with influential business and government figures in China are being republished. These interviews shed light on pressing current issues such as climate change, the green transition, and the China-U.S. tech war. [para. 1]

A significant figure in China’s environmental protection arena, Xie Zhenhua, served as the country's chief climate negotiator and special envoy for climate change until January at age 74. His career spans nearly four decades, focusing on domestic pollution control and international climate collaborations. Known for his pragmatic approach, Xie played a vital role in negotiating the Paris Agreement in 2015 alongside American counterpart John Kerry. [para. 2][para. 3][para. 4]

Born in 1949, the year of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Xie’s early life was marked by the Cultural Revolution. He later studied nuclear engineering at Tsinghua University and earned a master's degree in environmental law. His political career began in the 1980s, holding positions that culminated in leading the State Environmental Protection Administration, noted for its strict enforcement. Following a chemical incident in 2005, he resigned, but soon ascended to vice chairman of the NDRC, managing resources and climate response. [para. 5][para. 6][para. 7][para. 8][para. 9]

As "climate minister," Xie debuted at the 2007 U.N. Conference in Bali, leading Chinese climate dialogues and later serving as a special representative for climate issues. In 2023, he was recognized with the inaugural Nobel sustainability award for his global cooperative efforts in addressing climate change. Xie emphasized the Paris Agreement as a triumph of multilateralism, pushing for unified strategies against climate impacts. [para. 10][para. 11][para. 12]

In a 2014 interview, following a Sino-U.S. climate agreement, Xie advocated for comprehensive economic and environmental reform. This agreement was announced after extensive bilateral communication, marking a significant cooperative relationship between the two nations. [para. 13][para. 14][para. 15][para. 16][para. 17][para. 18]

The interview with Xie reveals the intricacies of international negotiations and the strong involvement of top leaders. With key climate conferences approaching in Lima and Paris, China aimed to influence global discussions. Aligned with its goals for 2020, China set measurable targets such as reducing carbon intensity and increasing non-fossil fuel consumption, confirming its commitment to a low-carbon future. [para. 19][para. 20][para. 21][para. 22][para. 23]

The joint Sino-U.S. climate agreement holds global implications, highlighting proactive roles taken by the world's two largest economies. Xie points to technological advancements and industry adjustments as critical to achieving China’s 2030 emissions peak target. By doubling energy efficiency, China's economic prowess could be sustained while pursuing green growth. [para. 24][para. 25][para. 26][para. 27][para. 28]

China aims to foster a sustainable environment, with emissions targets embedded in legislative policies and five-year plans. A detailed energy roadmap anticipates expanding nuclear, hydro, solar, and biomass energy capacity to shift away from coal. Collaboration with the U.S., particularly on technologies like shale gas, automotive, “smart” grids, and carbon capture, is underlined through strategic initiatives. [para. 29][para. 30][para. 31][para. 32][para. 33][para. 34][para. 35]

Xie views the joint climate agreement as pivotal in promoting industrial upgrades and multilateral climate discussions, signifying a constructive partnership between China and the U.S. This cooperative approach is necessary to tackle the global challenge of climate change. [para. 36][para. 37]