The School of Global Governance at Renmin University of China (RUC) visited the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Beijing Office on May 19 as one of its “International Organizations in China” programs, with more than 30 faculty members and students participating in the event.

Representatives from the EDF China Project Office, including Wu Chunling, Deputy Director, Gao Peng, Project Manager, Liu Hongming, Senior Supervisor of the Beijing Representative Office, and Zhao Jinghan, Project and Operations Assistant, welcomed the group. They provided insights into the organization’s workandenvironmental initiatives, and engaged in discussions with 14 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students from various schools such as the School of Ecology and Environmental, School of Agriculture Economics and Rural Development, School of International Studies, School of Public Administration and Policy, and so on.

Wu Chunling first welcomed the attendees and reviewed the establishment of EDF, its milestones, and its journey in China. She highlighted EDF’s commitment to using market-based approaches to assist in environmental protection and achieving low-carbon development goals. Since entering China in 1991, EDF has supported various climate-related projects, including greenhouse gas emission reduction, carbon footprint tracking, and adaptation actions. The organization has collaborated on projects in areas such as energy, environmental legislation, rural greenhouse gas reduction, green supply chains, public participation, training, and carbon trading.

Liu Hongming and Gao Peng elaborated on EDF’s efforts in addressing climate change through practical measures such as carbon markets and green supply chains. They emphasized the effectiveness and flexibility of market-based mechanisms compared to command-and-control or fiscal measures. EDF has facilitated several landmark initiatives in China, including the first sulfur dioxide emissions trading, the first rural greenhouse gas voluntary emission reduction trading, and the establishment of the first environmental education online learning platform.

Currently, EDF continues to support climate and environmental work in China, including research on green supply chains, promoting green concepts nationwide, assisting in establishing efficient evaluation systems like the “Dongguan Index” for green supply chains and conducting research on carbon market development.

Following the presentations, students engaged in discussions with EDF representatives on topics such as the “Dongguan Index” evaluation system, internship and employment opportunities, professional requirements in environmental NGOs, the relationship between carbon markets and carbon finance, and the collaboration between environmental organizations and research institutions. They also toured the EDF Beijing office, gaining a deeper understanding of the organization’s development and work environment.

As one of the School of Global Governance’s flagship programs, the “International Organizations in China” visiting programs have visited more than ten international organization representative offices in China, enhancing students’ understanding of international organizations, broadening their knowledge of the United Nations, bridging the gap between students and international organizations, and bringing international organizations closer to the youth of RUC.