On March 3, 2022, the School of Global Governance at Renmin University of China (RUC) held a lecture titled “Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and China’s Contribution in Climate Change”, led by Researcher Zhang Yongxiang, a key figure in China's UNFCCC and IPCC delegations. The lecture, attended by nearly 30 students from various university colleges, was overseen by Professor Chen Minpeng from the School of Global Governance and School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development.

During the lecture, Researcher Zhang Yongxiang first introduced the IPCC from four aspects: its work tasks, organizational structure, report writing and review process, and assessment reports. She then provided a detailed chronological overview of the six assessment reports of the IPCC, including their content, significance, and their impact on the negotiation process and direction of global climate governance.

Afterwards, Researcher Zhang Yongxiang discussed China’s role in the IPCC, emphasizing the leadership of the China Meteorological Administration in climate change efforts. She noted substantial increases in scientific literature citations, deeper involvement in IPCC assessments, and ongoing improvements in domestic IPCC mechanisms. Yet, Zhang acknowledged China’s current gap in international participation and influence within the IPCC. She encouraged students to get involved in climate change initiatives and stay informed about related developments.

The latter part of the lecture mainly focused on the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which analyzed the fact of global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius, and set targets for emission reductions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions around 2050, drawing widespread attention from the international community. On February 28, the IPCC released the Second Working Group Report of AR6 titled “Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability”.

According to AR6 of the IPCC, the reality of global climate change is undeniable, and humanity faces enormous challenges in mitigating climate change. The public needs to realize that climate change is irreversible and has a significant impact on human life. The future climate depends on our present decisions. At the end of the lecture, Researcher Zhang Yongxiang and Professor Chen Minpeng answered questions raised by the students.

Student Reflections:

Teng Zizhou, member of the second phase of the School of Global Governance, School of International Studies, undergraduate student, Class of 2020:

Teacher Zhang Yongxiang’s lecture helped me understand that besides political actions under the UNFCCC, there is also a group of IPCC scientists tirelessly working for the consensus of climate science foundation. The basic scientific content of climate change and the touching research stories of senior scientists shared by the teacher have benefited me a lot. Both teachers also answered my questions about the interaction between political actions and scientific research, which deepened my understanding of climate negotiations and international climate cooperation.

Li Jinghan, member of the first phase of the School of Global Governance, School of International Studies, undergraduate student, Class of 2018:

A key accomplishment at COP26 was integrating the IPCC’s findings on limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius into the Glasgow Climate Agreement. While symbolic, this move sends a powerful message. It signifies the growing reliance on the IPCC in UNFCCC negotiations and underscores the increasing acceptance and recognition of the IPCC’s scientific foundation by nations. Teacher Zhang’s lecture not only explained the IPCC’s structure and writing process but also highlighted China’s expanding role in IPCC reports. This reflects China’s rising research capabilities and its growing influence in global affairs.