AV����Ƶ

Demystifying China’s Authoritarian Environmentalism

Public Talk in the Geneva Environmental Lecture Series

8 December 2025 – 17h15
Uni Mail M1170

Over the past two decades—and especially since the Trump administration dismissed climate change as a hoax—China’s approach to environmental and climate governance has attracted growing attention from scholars and policymakers. Often described through the lens of “environmental authoritarianism,” this model is associated with strong state intervention, political messaging, and structural inefficiencies. Despite these limitations, the narrative remains influential.

At the same time, China’s environmental policies have produced tangible improvements, including major reductions in air pollution and significant economic benefits tied to its green transition. This lecture critically re-examines the explanatory value of the “environmental authoritarianism” framework. Through the case studies of China’s “war on air pollution” and the “greening” of its foreign affairs, it sheds light on both local dynamics and the global implications of China’s evolving environmental governance.

About the Speaker

is the founder and head of the Lise Meitner Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG), where she investigates China’s rapid rise in global science. Her research explores how authoritarian and democratic systems shape scientific development, the evolution of science policies in the People’s Republic of China, and the role of scientific expertise in local governance.

After studying sinology and political science in Tübingen and Beijing, she held academic positions at the AV����Ƶ of Oslo, the AV����Ƶ of Bonn, MERICS, Academia Sinica, and the AV����Ƶ of Chicago. Currently Professor II at the AV����Ƶ of Oslo, she leads major initiatives aimed at strengthening “China competence” within European academia. Her recent publications include The Great Smog of China and Democratic and Authoritarian Political Systems in 21st Century World Society.