The Leader We Are Looking For
Climate change is the most important – and difficult — collective action challenge facing humanity this century. Thanks to the Paris Climate deal and spectacular gains in technology and knowledge we are better equipped to address it today than at any time before. But we are not yet on track, and time is running out.  Reaching the Paris goal of “well below 2 degrees” will require emissions to peak by 2020 or shortly thereafter, and to decline to net zero by the middle of the century. This in turn will require system-wide shifts of major proportions across most key spheres of economic and social life.
China is poised to play a major role in this historic transition. It is today the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gasses but, equally importantly, it is leading on the innovation and investment needed to decisively tackle climate change. China’s ‘ecological civilization’ vision points to the historic opportunity that China has to accelerate its economic transition towards low-carbon development. The vision pushes the government to think well beyond the current commitment to peak carbon dioxide by 2030 and creates opportunities to significantly change planning frameworks and mindsets at both national and subnational levels.

 

WRI is seeking a creative and multi-talented expert on China climate and energy policy to fill the role of Climate and Energy Program Director in its WRI China office. You will lead the development of a comprehensive and compelling climate and energy strategy for WRI China that will help Chinese authorities identify optimal pathways for delivering on the country’s current climate commitments, and for increasing ambition in the years to come. As a thought leader, you will propose innovative approaches to enable the sustained transformation of China’s economy to achieve long-term zero-carbon targets. You will consider structural, geographical, and political economy challenges, and identify key entry points for leveraging change. Issues around social impacts and equity will also be addressed. With the WRI teams, you will shape and develop strategies for engaging with local and national political leaders in government, private sector, academia and civil society.