Dr Kim Vender Delivers Lecture on China and Climate Leadership

On 12 November 2025, the University of St Andrews hosted a seminar with Dr Kim Vender to discuss her recent book, China and Climate Leadership, which explores Chinese and international perspectives on China’s role in addressing climate change.

Dr Vender examined how Chinese policy-making elites, local governments, scholars, and the wider public view China’s roles and responsibilities, balancing development needs with global expectations.

She furthermore discussed how expectations of other countries in the UN climate regime are shaped by wider geopolitical context, including China’s expanding role in global governance, its dramatic emissions trajectory, and shifting international dynamics.

The seminar offered a nuanced picture of China as both a major emitter and a potential climate leader, inviting reflection on how domestic narratives and external pressures intersect in shaping China’s climate diplomacy. The event was organised and supported by the Centre for Global Law and Governance and chaired by University of St Andrews Professor Juliet Kaarbo.