The evolution of China's climate diplomacy – with Taylah Bland

The evolution of China's climate diplomacy – with Taylah Bland

Author: Beijing Energy Network September 7, 2023 Duration: 20:45

In this episode of our Women in Sustainability series, we are talking about the evolution and underpinnings of China's climate diplomacy. Our guest is Taylah Bland, Schwarzman Fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis. She specializes in China's domestic climate politics and international environmental law. She is a graduate of New York University, Shanghai and Tsinghua University as a Schwarzman Scholar.

In this episode we cover:

  • China's tendency to boost domestic policy first, before making climate commitments.
  • China's signing on to climate agreements in the early phases, such as the Kyoto Protocol and Clean Development Mechanism
  • The importance of China's domestic policy leading up to its Paris commitment
  • Whether China's climate diplomacy commitments lag domestic trends so much, such as on renewables, that they are more for splashy announcements and soft power
  • What further domestic policy steps are needed before China can enhance its ambitions for the next round of climate talks

Further reading:

Taylah Bland, "Key Factors Shaping China's Engagement With International Environmental Law," Asia Society Policy Institute, April 2023, at https://asiasociety.org/policy-institute/key-factors-shaping-chinas-engagement-international-environmental-law. 

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Episode produced by: Anders Hove


Produced by the Beijing Energy Network, Environment China is a bilingual podcast that delves into the complex and vital stories shaping China's ecological landscape. Rather than offering broad pronouncements, it focuses on grounded conversations with the people on the front lines: the advocates campaigning for change, the entrepreneurs building sustainable solutions, and the researchers providing crucial data. Each episode explores the intersection of society, culture, and science, revealing how environmental policy and daily life are intertwined. You'll hear specific discussions about conservation efforts, green technology, urban design, and community initiatives, all framed within the unique context of modern China. This podcast provides a necessary platform for these nuanced voices, translating complex issues into accessible dialogue. It’s an essential listen for anyone seeking to move beyond headlines and understand the real-world work being done to address environmental challenges. By listening to Environment China, you gain insight into the multifaceted movement towards sustainability, one conversation at a time.
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