This theme comprises three interconnected and interdependent strands of work. 

Definitions

Climate Change is defined in general as the variation in the Earth's global climate over time.  Recently, and in the context of the Science and Innovation Network China's work, the term is used to refer to those changes brought about by human activity.

Energy, in the context of our work, is the research and development underpinning energy use.  This includes the development of new, renewable and clean sources of energy (including reducing dependence on carbon and fossil fuels) improved usage (energy efficiency) and, generation and distribution.

Sustainable Development is defined as the balancing of meeting human needs with protecting the natural environment, such that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also in the past.  Sustainable Development does not focus solely on environmental issues, however.  As the United Nations World Summit Outcome Document (2005) put it: "the interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars" of Sustainable Development are: economic development, social development and, environmental protection.

Why is this important?

This theme is particularly important for the UK’s relationship and partnership with China.  From the Chinese point of view there is a justifiable desire to continue economic growth so as to ensure an improved and equitable quality of life for all its citizens.  Yet the current paths towards that goal are not sustainable, leading to dwindling natural resources, increasing environmental pollution and increasing emission of greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming.

Climate change threatens economic development.  Increasingly, studies are showing that unless emissions are brought under control quickly the effects of climate change are going to be catastrophic for all nations.  Countries such as China, which are trying to develop, are particularly threatened as the effects will undermine current growth. 

For example, with global warming will come increased desertification, the shrinking of glaciers and the subsequent reduction in water flows in rivers and, thus, difficulties in the economies of those cities alongside the rivers as well as losses in hydroelectric power.  There will also be changes in rainfall, causing difficulties for agriculture.  In addition, if sealevel temperatures rise, and absorption of increased carbon dioxide into the ocean continues, then ocean production of fish and shellfish becomes threatened.  Melting polar ice sheets will also contribute to sealevel rise threatening to inundate coastal cities and infrastructures as well as to destroy coastal wetlands, such as mangroves, which are crucially important as spawning and nursery grounds for fish.  Globally, food shortages, water shortages and other effects will increase migration and increase pressure on borders, etc and could well lead to more conflict.

What are we doing?

There are several ways which we can work together to mitigate the effects of climate change and, ultimately, to bring greenhouse gas emissions under control.  Collaboration in Science and innovation is a vital component of this and, working with our Focal Points in Energy and in Climate Change along with partners involved in sustainable development we will be working to develop increasing scientific collaborations addressing various aspects of the problem.

The first step has been to draw up a workplan for Energy and Climate Change.  Click to download (DOC 35K)

This sets out strategy for steering the work of the Science and Innovation Network in collaboration with partners in other parts of the Embassy, with the UK government, and with research partners in the UK and China.