WHY CHINA AND THE US?
The United States of America (U.S) and the People’s Republic of China (China) are both critical players in international efforts to address global climate change and global energy security. They are the two largest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the world, together accounting for over 40% of global CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use, 36% of the world’s energy consumption, and 32% of the world’s economic output. Therefore, efforts by these two players over the coming decades to cut greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption will play a large role in determining the ultimate outcome of efforts to combat global warming. They are, of course, not alone in this effort, but they are the critical actors, jointly holding the key to either sustainability or catastrophe.
WHY COLLABORATION?
Original systems do not work well, and we have to rework out a new story. We need young leaders to be able to collaborate internationally because climate change is not a problem that will be solved in 5 to 10 years but in 50-100. We need leaders who understand how to collaborate internationally that will lead in influential positions 10-15 years from now for the next 50-100 years. The purpose is to bringing many people together from different backgrounds of expertise to create something new. Everybody’s voice is heard and brought to the table and thoroughly discussed to create a project to create something. Collaboration cultivates empathy, respect, accountability, integrity, and honesty.
NECESSITY OF COLLABORATION?
At this moment in time, there are several critical skills that are not taught in our education system. Collaboration will offer key opportunities in learning capacity, mutual understanding, open-minded, and mutual-sympathy. It will help to create a new story. A new story that changes the discourse and shifts the paradigm; demonstrates the vast opportunities for win-win situations. Collaboration will also create a model of seeing a shared world and global network, where we recognize that our actions have global implications and solutions are created cross-boarders. It is about the development of new concept of leadership.
WHY DOES THE WORLD NEED CHINESE AND US COLLABORATION TO SOLVE CLIMATE CHANGE?
China and the U.S are the largest developing and developed country. They are the world’s two biggest economies, energy users, and as a result largest CO2 emission producers. What these two countries do have rippling environmental and social impacts on the future of the planet. If their current development plan continues, the two super powers will leave a legacy of putting future generations at a large disadvantage. At this point in time, they have not become the leaders in the reduction of carbon emissions.
The world simply cannot afford both American’s current consumption and China’s projected levels. It is not possible with the world’s carrying capacity. Since both our countries have the largest economies, we have a responsibility to work together to pioneer a new way of development. A model of development that ecologically, socially, and economically organized that is just, prosperous, and sustainable for all. Therefore, collaboration between the two countries on climate solutions is critical for the future welfare of our planet.
The world simply cannot afford both American’s current consumption and China’s projected levels. It is not possible with the world’s carrying capacity. Since both our countries have the largest economies, we have a responsibility to work together to pioneer a new way of development. A model of development that ecologically, socially, and economically organized that is just, prosperous, and sustainable for all. Therefore, collaboration between the two countries on climate solutions is critical for the future welfare of our planet.
WHY DOES THE WORLD NEED CHINESE AND US YOUTH ON CLIMATE AND ENERGY ISSUES?
We recognize that the Sino-American relationship is complex, multi-faceted, and difficult. We also recognize that the cross-cultural empathy and diplomatic leadership skills are not taught in our schools. As representatives of the inheriting generations of the world’s largest developing and developed countries and climate emitters, we believe that China and the U.S. must be the leaders in solving the climate crisis. It is not enough to merely understand the science and facts – the political process requires much more understanding of the cultural and systemic context.
Therefore, we must nurture and foster collaborative skills amongst Chinese and U.S youth to create a new leadership of “enlightened” environmental stewardship that can help us build a more sustainable, shared future. The world needs Chinese and U.S. young leaders cultivated by CUYCE with the skills to enable us to effectively collaborate and find consensus despite our deep diversity in upbringing and divergence in agendas between our two great nations.
If we do not learn to lead together, we won’t lead at all, and all countries will suffer. A new story needs to be told with the narrative of collaboration for a shared future where it is a win-win situation. We live in an interconnected world that environmental pollution is felt globally, and we need to create together a shared future of solving the climate crisis.
Therefore, we must nurture and foster collaborative skills amongst Chinese and U.S youth to create a new leadership of “enlightened” environmental stewardship that can help us build a more sustainable, shared future. The world needs Chinese and U.S. young leaders cultivated by CUYCE with the skills to enable us to effectively collaborate and find consensus despite our deep diversity in upbringing and divergence in agendas between our two great nations.
If we do not learn to lead together, we won’t lead at all, and all countries will suffer. A new story needs to be told with the narrative of collaboration for a shared future where it is a win-win situation. We live in an interconnected world that environmental pollution is felt globally, and we need to create together a shared future of solving the climate crisis.