Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment says Xie Zhenhua, China’s special envoy for climate change, has been recognized for his efforts in addressing the problem on a global scale and advancing sustainable development with a prize from the Nobel Sustainability Trust Foundation.
The foundation presented the seasoned climate diplomat with its first special contribution award for sustainable development on Tuesday, the highest honor in the field of sustainable development, the ministry stated in a news release on Wednesday. The veteran climate diplomat expressed his gratitude to the foundation for the honor by way of a video link.
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“The honor is the recognition of achievements China has made after years of coping with climate change and promoting sustainable development,” Xie was quoted as saying in the release.
Well-known for his work in forestalling the climate crisis, the 73-year-old was appointed as China’s special envoy for climate change in 2021. The appointment marked his return to climate diplomacy, a job and personal passion to which he had been dedicated for over a decade.
Xie led the Chinese delegation in global climate negotiations from 2007 to 2018. During that period, China joined the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
Minister-level officials like Xie usually retired at age 65 in China, though sometimes they continue working until they turn 68.
Story adapted from China Daily
