China is uniquely positioned to lead global climate action—but must act decisively to seize the opportunity, argues Dr Yixian Sun in an article published in The Conversation.

This call to action comes ahead of an international conference hosted by the University of Bath on 24–25 June 2025. The event—led by Dr Sun and his team and organised in partnership with the Bath Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change —will bring together experts from academia, civil society, and governments from both the Global North and South to discuss the opportunities and challenges of engaging China in the push for global sustainability transition.

Dr Sun, from the Department of Social and Policy Sciences at the University of Bath and a leading expert in global climate governance, writes in The Conversation:

With the US in retreat from climate action and Europe preoccupied by security challenges, new leadership is urgently needed. China may be poised to fill this gap.

Highlighting China’s dominance in clean technology and its growing influence in international climate negotiations, Dr Sun said:

China is by far the world’s biggest producer of renewables, batteries, electric vehicles and many other clean technologies, and is in a unique position to supply them affordably.

However, Dr Sun stresses that China must pair its technological leadership with stronger climate policies and deeper global engagement—particularly in supporting developing nations:

To take on this leadership, Beijing must first strengthen China’s domestic policies along with its support for climate action in the global south.”

While China is not formally required under the UN climate framework to fund climate action overseas, it has already provided or helped raise an estimated US$24.5 billion for clean energy and disaster recovery projects in developing countries. But Dr Sun warns that more transparency and community involvement are needed:

For this investment to have a lasting impact, Beijing needs to be more transparent about where its funding goes and how projects are financed.

The upcoming Bath conference on China and Global Sustainability Transition —will tackle these urgent issues. Scheduled for 24–25 June 2025, it will bring together leading experts and key stakeholders around the world to explore how China can work more effectively with international partners to meet global sustainability and climate goals.

Dr Sun added:

This event will provide a timely platform for rigorous, science-based discussion and build a global network for knowledge exchange. We need more inclusive and stronger cooperation to solve today’s planetary crisis —and that means rethinking how we engage major powers like China to accelerate climate action.

Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, said:

Open exchanges will fast-track innovation and offer fresh approaches to global climate challenges.

Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, Co-Director of the Bath Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change (ISCC) said:

The ISCC is delighted to support this conference, which presents a valuable opportunity for researchers at Bath working in sustainability and climate change to engage with international partners and contribute to meaningful policy impact.