'Before the Flood,' After the Paris Agreement; GEI & Leo D. chat

Hi everyone, Leonardo DiCaprio here*. Although you may have heard, I’m continuing my mission to be the best human on the planet. 
In addition to giving a huge amount of my earnings to charitable causes, I made a documentary about climate change, Before the Flood, and I care about the earth so much that I’m releasing it for free from Oct. 30-Nov. 6. We all need to work together to save the planet and action starts with knowledge. 

As I say in Before the Flood:
"I just want to know how far we've gone, how much damage we've done, and if there's anything we can do to stop it." 

Paris Climate Agreement

Yesterday was a special day: the Paris Climate Agreement, which unites the world in reducing carbon emissions and keeping global temperature under 2 degrees, was finally put into effect. 

As my friend US President Barak Obama says: “[The Paris Agreement] is the best chance to save the one planet we have."  

Now that the Agreement is underway, we must keep in mind the wise words from Chinese President, Xi Jinping, who said before the Paris COP Meeting in 2015:"[Paris COP21] is not a finish line, but a new starting point." 

Well, we are now in for the marathon of our lives - the race to save the planet! 

Global Environmental Institute is a leading voice on issues of environmental conservation and development in China. I got in touch with two smart and lovely women at GEI, Executive Director, Jiaman JIN, and Energy and Climate Change Program Manager, Qingchan YU. 

JIN Jiaman (left); YU Qingchan (right)

Together we discussed:China's actions with the Agreement in effect; their opinions on the challenges ahead; and expectations for COP22 - Marrakesh next week. 

*While we would love to meet Leonardio Dicaprio and do an interview with him, we have to admit this is not a real interview. Let us repeat (so that you don’t challenge us with legal action), Leo did not say any of these words except what is included in quotes above. We have channeled his spirit and his energy for environmental protection to write this mock interview. Jin Jiaman and Yu Qingchan’s answers are however 100% real.

QA&

Leonardo DiCaprio*Well isn’t it crazy to think that it was one year ago that the Paris COP agreement was signed! What a great memory.

JIN JiamanYes! The Paris Agreement is a milestone in global negotiations and is an iconic agreement.

But moving forward, what do we need to consider about the agreement. There are of course pros-and-cons.

To start, one major benefit is that the agreement elevated the US-China climate agreement, which connected the countries with the largest emissions, to a global consensus that involved every country.

YU QingchanPlus, to a certain extent the Paris Agreement can promote countries to take a step forward; giving countries a foundational consensus and outlining goals and actions to address climate issues.

Yes, but what about these challenges and the doubts if the agreement can actually keep global temperatures below 2 degrees?

You’re right, Leo. The main challenge to the Paris agreement the effectiveness of the national independent determined contributions (INDC), and whether these can actually achieve the global emission reduction targets.

Taking a step back, the slow recovery from the global economic crisis has led to a lack of funding for implementing the agreement. Another challenge is how to advance low-carbon technology transfer.

How can governments deal with finance and technology transfer?

I hope that the COP22 negotiations [Marrakesh Nov. 7-18] can progress the issue of financing and funding. The Paris agreement is a clear signal that governments will actively develop policies and plans for climate, which in turn is a signal to drive the market for low-carbon technology development. But of course, the Paris agreement is first an opportunity, and specifically an opportunity to increase international and regional cooperation for climate change action.

How does one solve this issue of financing? Too bad not every country can just be as generous as me!

It can start with developed countries committing to the various funds that have real operational mechanisms. This way, these nations can play an effective role in international climate action. Countries that accept this funding also must have stronger mechanisms to protect the effectiveness and efficiency of the emission reduction funds.

But what about China? Can China play a role in financing the development?

Absolutely. China has, in addition to its own goals, taken on the responsibility for progressing the global economy. In fact, China is becoming the largest consumer market in the world and therefore has an opportunity to play a leading role in the green movement.

What specific actions has China taken? I know China has a great deal of resources at its disposal but, as you mentioned, it also has environmental issues of its own.  

By establishing the South-South Climate Change Fund, China is helping Southeast Asian countries develop their capacity for low-carbon technology and to apply for international funds and technology donations. 

Such knowledge sharing is definitely critical for achieving success. NGOs and independent actors, like myself, outside the government also have a role to play. 

NGOs must be vigilant and innovative participants in actions to mitigate climate change, leading the government to explore effective mitigation actions. As you suggested, Leo, NGOs also must to supplement and complement the measures and actions taken by the government and market.

I agree. NGOs and Civil Society can act as a bridge between Developed and Developing countries well as among Developing Countries, thereby improving the climate adaptation capacity of less developed countries and regions.

Talks of cooperation and mutual advantage leave me feeling optimistic. Thank you for your insight and let’s continue to get every person and every nation involved for a sustainable future. 

Thank you, Leo. 

Where can we watch your movie?

“Before the Flood” is now available for free streaming, thanks to National Geographic until Nov. 6. It can be found on Youtube and Youku. 

Our communications team has thoughtfully provided the link directly; all you need to do is click “Read More/阅读原文”. Please enjoy the film trailer below!

https://v.qq.com/txp/iframe/player.html?vid=a03438ht0nb&width=500&height=375&auto=0