Growing tensions over trade, technology and security could undermine the international cooperation needed to tackle climate change, warns University of Bath sustainability expert Yixian Sun.

Expertise in global climate governance

Growing tensions over trade, technology and security could undermine the international cooperation needed to tackle climate change, warns University of Bath sustainability expert Yixian Sun.

Yixian Sun, Professor of Sustainability Governance, Director of the Bath Centre for Earth System Governance and a core member of the University’s Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change, will be at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, taking part in discussions on China-Europe climate relations and the global energy transition.

His research focuses on China’s role in global environmental governance and international cooperation on climate change and the clean energy transition.

Professor Sun said: “Geopolitical tensions cannot be allowed to derail the global shift to clean energy. COP31 needs to strengthen international cooperation, with China using its position as a green technology leader to help developing countries make a fair transition. Progress on climate finance and a just transition will be critical to turning the Paris Agreement into action.”

Professor Sun will take part in a series of discussions at COP31 on international climate action and the shift to clean energy. He will also join an official UN climate event looking at how countries can work together to speed up the energy transition.

University of Bath PhD researcher Yuen Gu will also attend COP31, following talks on climate finance and the move to clean energy as part of her research into China’s climate work with developing countries.