China’s Green Leap Forward - Julio Friedmann & David Victor

Dr. Julio Friedmann unpacks the environmental and energy challenges in China - the world’s largest energy user, largest emitter, largest market and largest cleantech enterprise. Interview is followed by excerpt from conversation with Dr. David Victor

Dr. Friedmann is the senior advisor for energy innovation at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He has extensive experience at the intersection of clean energy, public policy and global cooperation. Previously, he served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Clean Coal at U.S. Department of Energy. He also advised the US-China Clean Energy Research Center.

Following ratification of Paris, they have undertaken an ambitious set of commitments to dramatically change their energy supply, infrastructure, use and efficiency. These large efforts and commitments are backed by substantial actions and investments. At the same time, they are undercut by retractions, shifting targets, a government reform agenda and complex geopolitical forces — converting these investments into both deep decarbonization and economic growth is contingent on technological, financial and human forces. Deep reduction of pollution and GHG emissions will only be achieved through innovation, sustained government action and triumph of this agenda in a complex national context. The chance of success is hard to assess, but required for the global climate accords to have any chance of success.

China 21 is produced by the 21st Century China Center, at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy. This podcast features expert voices, insights and stories about China’s economy, politics, society, and the implications for international affairs. Learn more at china.ucsd.edu

This episode was recorded at UC San Diego Studio Ten300

• Host: Samuel Tsoi


• Editors: Mike Fausner, Anthony King


• Production Support: Lei Guang, Susan Shirk, Amy Robinson, Sarah Pfledderer, Michelle Fredricks


• Music: Dave Liang/Shanghai Restoration Project


• Episode photo credit: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images