China's role in global climate transitions is the subject of much discussion. From electric vehicles to batteries and solar panels, the country's rapid transformation into the manufacturer of the world's energy transitions is both a source of optimism and deep political and trade tensions. But much of our understanding of this phenomenon is shaped from afar, by analysts in Western capitals and through the paradigms of government talking points. Beyond the headlines, what does ‘green China' look like on the ground?

In discussion with journalists and anthropologists, this panel will examine the importance and challenges of understanding environment and climate issues in China from the ground up. It will unpack some of the complex and overlooked dynamics that are at work in Chinese environmental policy making, and reflect on how grounded perspectives are important in understanding China's role in global climate policy and energy transitions.

In this panel, hosted in collaboration with Dialogue Earth, experts will look beyond media headlines to explore the realities shaping China's climate policies & why an understanding of the environment and climate issues from the ground up matters as part of China Week 2025.

Speakers

Cui Qiwen is the China editor at Dialogue Earth, based in London. Her journey began as a tech journalist travelling between China and Silicon Valley. There, she developed a keen interest in how tech influences the world and human behaviours. This path led her to discover solutions journalism, igniting her passion for fundamental and globally impactful topics like agriculture and energy. After years of promoting environmental awareness and low-carbon lifestyles in China, she understands the power of local actions. Through her writing, she aims to encourage more cross-cultural dialogues focusing on local and individual action addressing environmental challenges. She welcomes discussions that delve into China’s role and challenges in the global environmental landscape.

Andrea E. Pia is Assistant Professor in Anthropology at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is the author of Cutting the Massline: Water, Politics, and Climate in Southwest China (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2024), the co-editor of China as Context: Anthropology, Post-globalisation and the Neglect of China (Manchester University Press, 2025) and the translator of the Italian edition of 中国人类学史 (Renmin University Press, 2008). His essays have appeared in the Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, Cultural Anthropology, and the Journal of Political Ecology, among others. He is the creator of the interactive digital ethnography The Long Day of the Young Peng.

Deng Yaowen is a Consultant with experience in social development and human rights, specializing in energy transitions, climate change, gender equality, and Africa-China relations. He has a Masters in Development Studies from the University of Oxford and holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Nanjing University.

Tom Baxter is project manager for Dialogue Earth’s global China and learning programme, based in London. He joined the organisation in 2018 and was based in Beijing until 2022. Tom holds an MA in history from the University of Glasgow and an MSc in economic policy from SOAS, University of London. He worked in China for a decade and speaks and reads Chinese. Tom’s interests include the interactions between climate and development, China’s role in global development and environmental governance, and socio-economic issues such as industrialisation, migration and labour.

Thomas White is a Lecturer in China and Sustainable Development. He has a PhD and MPhil in Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge, and a BA from the University of Oxford. He is an Affiliate of the Mongolia and Inner Asia Studies Unit at the University of Cambridge. Thomas has previously worked at the University of Cambridge, and the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. He studied for a Diploma in Mandarin at SOAS, before living and working for several years in China. His first monograph, China's Camel Country: Livestock and Nation-Building at a Pastoral Frontier, was published in 2024.

This is an in-person event. Registration is required. Those without tickets will not be admitted.

NB This is a free event, which means we overbook to allow for no-shows and avoid empty seats. While we generally do not have to turn people away, this does mean we cannot guarantee all ticket holders a place. Admission is on a first come, first served basis. Those without tickets will not be admitted.

Please contact lauchina@kcl.ac.uk if you have any questions or specific participatory requirements.