On December 3, 2024,  "Beyond Climate Dialogue" was held at the Institute of Carbon Neutrality of Peking University, hosted by Professor Wang Binbin with two guests: one is Li Yan, executive director of Abundant Climate Action Institute, who understands the process of climate governance and is full of curiosity about the future of mankind, and the other is Chen Qiufan, a Berggruen scholar who knows the most about climate among science fiction writers.

Connection with Climate

Wang Binbin kicked off the dialogue by emphasizing the significance of "Connection" as one of the three core tenets of the Climate Force Lab. She stressed that achieving carbon neutrality is not merely a technical challenge but a profound socio-economic transformation. Wang highlighted the lab's mission to foster connections among individuals, their surroundings, and nature to drive collective action towards carbon neutrality.

Li Yan recounted her journey from studying environmental science at Peking University to becoming a climate change professional. She shared how climate change evolved from a distant, futuristic concept to a tangible reality, citing instances like glacier melting and its impact on downstream regions. Li also noted the growth of the renewable energy sector from a nascent technology to a cornerstone of the new economy, while expressing concern over the slow pace of solutions.

Chen Qiufan discussed his exploration of environmental issues through science fiction, starting with his 2006 work "Haze." He shared how his sensitivity to environmental changes influenced his writing, leading to works like "Waste Tide," which tackled e-waste and its environmental and social consequences. Chen emphasized the importance of storytelling in addressing climate change and shared his efforts to inspire change through works like "Zero-Carbon China" and "Mountain Songs and Sea Chants."

Observations and Reflections on COP29

Li Yan reflected on her experience at COP29 in Baku, noting the growing enthusiasm among participants despite limited diplomatic progress. She highlighted the disconnect between the technical negotiations and the broader audience, emphasizing the need for better communication to bridge this gap. Li observed that while some industries like renewable energy were actively engaged, others remained confused about their role in these international climate dialogues.

Wang Binbin viewed COP29 as a platform for diverse voices and stakeholders. She acknowledged the conference's achievements, such as discussions on Article 6.4 and new finance commitments, despite ongoing challenges like the unresolved funding gap. Wang highlighted the growing professionalism of participants and the increasing visibility of Chinese civil society.

Chen Qiufan shared his experience at COP28 in Dubai, describing it as surreal. He questioned the effectiveness of the COP framework in driving future change and expressed skepticism about the current reliance on new energy industries. Chen envisioned a future COP on a man-made island, exploring diverse perspectives on climate action.

Science Fiction, Sublime Experience, and Gaia

Li Yan discussed the power of science fiction to inspire imaginative and actionable responses to climate change. She contrasted the emotional impact of sci-fi narratives with data-driven reports, highlighting how stories can foster connections between climate issues and personal lives.

Chen Qiufan argued that science fiction evokes a sense of grandeur that can inspire awe for nature and drive climate action. He shared his vision of a Gaia-centric perspective, where humans are seen as interconnected parts of a larger planetary whole.

Wang Binbin recounted her transformative experience in Antarctica, where interacting with penguins shifted her perspective on human-nature relationships. This experience underscored the need for humility and a deeper connection with nature.

Traditional Wisdom and Future Transition

Wang Binbin discussed the value of traditional wisdom in addressing modern climate challenges. She highlighted examples like the flood-resistant architecture of Ganzhou Ancient Town, advocating for the integration of such wisdom in sustainable development.

Li Yan shared her experience with the Hani rice terraces in Yunnan, exemplifying traditional ecological knowledge. She emphasized the potential of upgrading and applying such wisdom to enhance resilience and sustainability.

Next Steps: Personal Action and Collective Effort

Wang Binbin stressed the need to move beyond fear-based narratives and develop new action points through interdisciplinary collaboration and systems thinking. She called for reimagining human-nature connections to drive innovation.

Li Yan advocated for creating positive narratives to engage broader audiences and support those affected by climate change. She highlighted the "mycelium network" as a metaphor for systemic change, encouraging individuals and organizations to find their roles in collective action.

Chen Qiufan outlined his plans to continue creating climate-related content and mobilizing diverse creators to develop new climate narratives. He emphasized the importance of collective effort across different creative fields.

Youth Engagement and Personal Choices

In response to questions on balancing climate aspirations with personal realities, Chen Qiufan encouraged youth to pursue their passions with courage and long-term commitment. Wang Binbin advised clarity in personal goals, while Li Yan highlighted the importance of long-termism and emotional resilience against anxiety.

Humanism and AI

The dialogue touched on the tension between human-centered AI development and broader ethical considerations. Chen Qiufan discussed the need for a balanced approach that considers both technological advancement and human values.

Conclusion

The dialogue concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives, traditional wisdom, and collective effort in addressing climate change. The participants agreed on the need for innovative storytelling and interdisciplinary collaboration to inspire a sustainable future.