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

In a 2014 interview, the longtime lead Chinese climate negotiator explains how environmental governance can work hand in hand with reforming the economy

Xie Zhenhua, China's veteran climate negotiator. Photo: AI generated

To celebrate Caixin’s 15-year anniversary, we’re republishing a series of past interviews with some of most influential people in business and government in China. Looking back at what they said at the time offers insights into some of the most pressing issues of today, like climate change, the green transition and the China-U.S. tech war.

Xie Zhenhua, a fixture in China’s environmental protection sphere, spent over a decade as the country’s lead climate negotiator before stepping down as special envoy for climate change in January at the age of 74.

With nearly 40 years of experience in areas including domestic pollution control and international climate cooperation, Xie has long represented China in global climate negotiations. He attended 16 United Nations Climate Change Conferences and has been recognized for his pragmatic and skillful promotion of climate cooperation.

Xie has also developed a long-term working relationship with his American counterpart John Kerry at the time. The two helped broker the Paris Agreement, the global accord signed in 2015 to curb greenhouse gas emissions.