On September 21, the 2025 Tsinghua Global Climate Communication Forum, themed “How Communication Can Shape the Climate Future: Connect · Empower · Transform,” took place at Tsinghua University. Guests from international organizations, academia, the media, and industry attended.

Group photo of attendees

Prof. YANG Bin (Vice Chairman of the Tsinghua University Council) outlined the university’s exploration in green technologies and climate communication. He emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate the translation of research into real-world impact and highlighted platforms such as the “Zero-Carbon Space” that engage students in hands-on sustainability practice, demonstrating Tsinghua’s exemplary role in knowledge production and social mobilization.

Dr. WANG Zhigao (Executive Director, Cities and Regions, Energy Foundation China) stated that climate communication should clarify practical pathways and co-benefits, address people’s livelihoods, build a shared vision, and stimulate institutional and technological innovation, ultimately resulting in visible public action.

Prof. ZHOU Qingan (Dean, School of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University) said that addressing climate change is both a scientific challenge and a communication challenge. The School will leverage its disciplinary strengths to turn research findings into stories the public can understand, cultivate talent fluent in both science and communication, and contribute to China’s dual-carbon goals and global climate action.

Keynote speeches approached the topic from scientific, cooperative, and cultural perspectives. Academician CHEN Deliang (Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, Tsinghua University), Ms. Beate Trankmann (UNDP Resident Representative in China), and Mr. SONG Yingjie (Director, Key Laboratory of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, China Meteorological Administration) shared insights on strengthening coordination among science, policy, society, and public communication, advancing inclusive cooperation, and leveraging cultural resources in communication.

Academician CHEN Deliang delivers a keynote address

The main-forum roundtable centered on “From Stories to Solutions: Communications to Drive International Climate Actions.” Two parallel sub-forums focused on “New Messengers, New Voices” and “Stories That Scale: Powering Sectoral and Urban Transition.” The forum also presented interim practices from Tsinghua’s low-carbon campus initiative.

Scenes from the roundtable discussion

In the closing summary, Prof. ZENG Fanxu (Director, Center for Climate Communication and Risk Governance, Tsinghua University) said the Center will work with partners to launch research outputs and capacity-building programs in cross-cultural narratives, South–South cooperation, and local transitions, advancing two-way translation between academic research and social practice.

The forum was hosted by the School of Journalism and Communication and the Center for Climate Communication and Risk Governance of Tsinghua University, co-hosted by the Office of Green University, Tsinghua University, and supported by Energy Foundation China.