Welcome to a bonus episode of Climate Watch in celebrations of the Year of the Snake. We’re taking a slithery detour from our usual conversations with experts and business insiders to delve into the fascinating world of snakes.

In this episode, we explore the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement once again. Trump’s stance has reshaped the global climate conversation, but how has the U.S. climate community adapted over time? What does this mean for future climate action, both in the U.S. and globally? We broke down the significance of this shift and explored what could come next for international climate cooperation with Melissa Barbanell, Director of U.S.-International Engagement at the World Resources Institute.

As wildfires sweep through Southern California, experts have extensively explained their connection to climate change. With fires growing more intense and frequent, it’s crucial to understand the mix of natural and human factors behind them. From prolonged droughts and dry winds to expanding urban sprawl in fire-prone areas, we examine how these elements contribute to the recent blazes. But beyond the technical breakdown, we ask: what can we do to change the course of this fire-prone future? In this episode, we take a closer look with Stephen Pyne, an American fire historian, who raises the idea of Pyrocene. We explore how fires fit into a changing climate and what they mean for the future of fire management.

Hydrogen has become a key topic in China’s energy discussions. At the start of the year, Chinese authorities unveiled a plan to promote clean and low-carbon hydrogen in the industrial sector, building on growing support from provincial and city governments. In this episode, we dive into hydrogen’s evolving role in the energy transition with insights from Professor Liu Ke of the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen and Professor Peter Newman from Curtin University in Perth. Stay updated on the latest climate stories with our Substack newsletter, Rivers and Mountains.

In this episode of Climate Watch, we explore the significance of China’s first-ever Energy Law, which aims to support renewable energy development and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Why did it take two decades to finalize? What does it mean for China’s carbon neutrality goals? We unpacked these questions with Professor Lin Boqiang of Xiamen University.

Happy holidays! In this year-end special, we look back on 2024 and its significant impact on humanity and the planet. This episode revisits key discussions about how climate change is transforming food systems, affecting public health, and testing global responses. These conversations inspire us to reconsider our connection with nature and envision a future where humans and the planet thrive together. As we wrap up our final episode of the year, we want to thank you for joining us and wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous 2025. Let’s continue the journey together in the new year!

Last week, Chinese leaders gathered in Beijing for the Central Economic Work Conference to review this year’s progress and set priorities for 2025. While the meeting often grabs headlines for its economic and financial signals, it also carries major implications for climate policy. In this episode, we unpack the key takeaways from the conference, focusing on green and low-carbon development, carbon trading, and energy transition, with Ma Jun, Director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Desertification is a growing threat to ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide. Innovative solutions are making a difference. This week at COP16 in Riyadh, China highlighted its decades-long fight against desertification, showcasing projects that blend ecological restoration with community development. From the expansive Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program to collaboration on Africa's Great Green Wall, China is sharing lessons learned in tackling shifting sands. In this episode, we explore with Dr. Cui Guipeng with of the Chinese Academy of Forestry and Liu Kuocheng with The Nature Conservancy China Program on how these efforts combat desertification, improve livelihoods, and even contribute to global carbon markets—all while inspiring hope for sustainable solutions across the globe.