Book talk: "Chinese Global Environmentalism" (Cambridge, 2026)

Mar 2026
31

We find ourselves at a remarkable moment in global environmental governance. China actively supports green development on the global stage, while the US under the Trump administration rejects the Paris Agreement and actively opposes the development of renewable energy and electric vehicles. Professor Alex Wang of the UCLA School of Law will introduce his new book, Chinese Global Environmentalism, which examines how China came to embrace green development and how it promotes a developmental form of environmentalism that differs from Western conceptions. China’s approach promises to advance certain global environmental and governance norms, while reshaping others in ways that will continue to create tensions and conflict around the world. He will share case studies that shed light on China’s approach, including Chinese green investment in Chile, environmental conflicts in Kenya, hydropower development in Southeast Asia, global climate negotiations, and Chinese dominance in clean technology development.

About the Speaker

Alex Wang is a Professor of Law and the Walter and Shirley Wang Chair in US-China Relations and Communications at UCLA Law School. He is also the Faculty Co-Director of UCLA’s Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment.


Access to this Columbia Law School event is restricted to individuals with a valid CUID. Registration is required for CU affiliates outside of the Law School to access William & June Warren Hall (Big Warren). Please register by noon on Friday, March 27.

 

Event Contact

Nick Pozek

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