Equipping the next generation with the necessary knowledge and skills to address climate change is at the heart of the “NextGen Climate Dialogues” series. By bringing students together with experienced climate experts, the series offers young people a broader perspective and supports them in integrating climate and green transformation topics into their studies. The first dialogue under Phase V of the Sino-German Cooperation on Climate Change – Climate Partnership project took place at the Chinese Academy of Finance and Development of the Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE) on 9 September 2026, focusing on climate and energy policy in China and the EU.
Managing the green transition in Europe and China
The event featured a keynote lecture by Professor Miranda Schreurs, Chair of Climate and Environmental Policy at the School of Social Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Munich. Focusing on the climate policy and energy transition landscapes of China and Europe, she examined the challenges facing key industrial sectors arising from path dependency, existing infrastructure, and financial structures that favour short-term returns.
Professor Schreurs discussed how to manage the transition so that it remains economically viable and socially inclusive, emphasising the urgent need for creativity and innovation. She underlined that students have a vital role to play, not only in driving innovation but also in raising broader awareness of climate change. As she explained, lack of understanding can breed resistance, while understanding helps to foster acceptance.
She highlighted two complementary approaches for advancing the green transition: 1) strengthening energy security through renewables, and 2) advancing sustainable urbanisation – transforming cities via green public space, improving waste management and efficient building design, with Munich cited as a practical example.
Encouraging students to contribute to the green and just transition
She challenged students to consider how they can contribute to accelerating the global green transition through education, research and future careers. Universities, she argued, should serve as living laboratories that measure and reduce their own carbon footprints, while youth – equipped with expertise in digital tools and finance – carry the responsibility to drive systemic change through research and international collaboration.
During the interactive Q&A session, students engaged with Professor Schreurs on topics including just transition and the challenges of green investment.
About the NextGen Climate Dialogue series
The NextGen Climate Dialogues lecture and talk series offers students a platform for open dialogue and knowledge exchange, while actively engaging them in critical climate-related issues. Through the series students are connected with high-ranking climate experts and leaders, fostering an exchange of ideas and insights on climate-related issues. Current partners include institutions such as Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, and Peking University.
The series is organised by the Sino-German Cooperation on Climate Change – Climate Partnership (Phase V), a bilateral cooperation initiative commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) under the International Climate Initiative (IKI).
