124. We Need To Talk About China

China.  On one hand, the country is the world’s 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’s 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  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’s special envoys for climate, Xie Xanhau and John Kerry, who brought about significant pact between the world’s two top polluters that significantly influenced the success of the Paris Agreement.  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’s climate goals and trajectory of travel, gleaned over 35 years of working with the Chinese Government.   Enjoy the show! — Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now! Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter: Signals Amidst The Noise — 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 Former PM of Australia, President of the Asia Society. Twitter | Linktr.ee Asia Society Twitter | Asia Society Asia Society Policy Institute Twitter |  — Keep up with Christiana Figueres here: Instagram | Twitter Tom Rivett-Carnac: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Paul Dickinson: LinkedIn | Twitter — Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism!