Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change

Is Trump's Victory A Win For China? Ep185: Professor Qi Ye

Nov 13, 2024

In this discussion, Professor Qi Ye, Director of Public Policy at Hong Kong University, reveals insights on China's rapid clean energy transition and its implications for global policies. He explores whether China's lead in clean technologies is unassailable and discusses the surge of electric vehicles, which now dominate sales. The conversation also highlights the complex dynamics between China and the West regarding clean energy collaborations and the geopolitical ramifications of the U.S. presidential election on climate initiatives.

55:05

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Professor Qi Ye

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

China's rapid shift towards a clean energy economy demonstrates its significant investments in renewable technologies, positioning it as a leader in global clean energy markets.

Adopting a risk assessment framework for climate change encourages proactive policymaking that prepares for low-probability, high-impact events affecting global temperatures.

Deep dives

China's Rapid Energy Transition

China has experienced a significant transformation in its energy landscape, driven by a variety of investments in renewable technologies such as solar, wind, and nuclear power. This shift has contributed to a decrease in the carbon intensity of its energy grid, alongside a notable increase in the share of electricity generated within its total energy consumption. As a consequence, China is expected to peak its greenhouse gas emissions from energy in the near future, indicating a more sustainable trajectory. The country now holds a substantial position within the global market, accounting for 20% of EV exports in 2023, showcasing its vital role in the worldwide clean energy movement.

Intro

4min

Navigating Climate Risk: Historical Insights and Future Implications

9min

Navigating the Clean Energy Transition

10min

The Surge of Electric Vehicles and Future Energy Predictions in China

5min

China's Clean Energy Dilemma

5min

Navigating Climate Governance and Youth Involvement

11min

China-Brazil Collaboration in Clean Energy

8min

China's Economic Strategies in a Globalized World

3min

Is China's lead in clean technologies insurmountable? How will the Trump presidency shape relations with China? And when will China's emissions peak?

Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, has said that 'almost every energy story is essentially a China story. But it's a complicated story that has been powered by vast supplies of coal. China's economy has grown rapidly, with per capita levels of energy consumption now matching Europe's, making it the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gasses.

At the same time, China has increased the share of electricity and total energy to around 28% thanks to a rapid uptake of electric vehicles and increasing use of electricity for heating domestically. If it continues on its current trajectory, it is likely to peak its greenhouse gas emissions from energy in the next few years, if it hasn't done so already. China is also playing an increasing role beyond its borders: In 2023, 20% of the global EV export market belong to China, and it dominates the battery, solar and wind industries.

This week on Cleaning Up, Bryony Worthington sits down with Professor Qi Ye, Director of Public Policy at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, who's had a ringside seat during China's rapid shift towards a clean energy economy. Together they unpack the complex dynamics shaping the global energy transition in China. Discover the remarkable scale and pace of China's clean energy transformation, the challenges of international collaboration, and Professor Qi's vision for a new era of climate leadership.

Leadership Circle:

Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit cleaningup.live.

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