美中全球议题对话项目

As a Ukrainian student in the Global Human Development graduate program, I have always been drawn to issues that transcend borders–peace and conflict, governance and development, climate and sustainability. Climate change, in particular, is a challenge that no single country can solve alone. It requires cooperation, even among geopolitical rivals. This belief led me to join the U.S.-China Student Dialogue, a program that encourages discussions and collaboration.

We were split into teams of six for the first round of dialogues, with three students from Georgetown University and three from Peking University in each group. The theme of this year’s dialogue, “The Future of U.S.-China Relations,” set the foundation for our discussions, with each team focusing on a critical issue: climate change and environment, business and trade, global governance, peace and security, and people-to-people dialogue. Through Zoom discussions, we engaged in conversations about the current state of U.S.-China relations and the potential for cooperation.

Being part of the climate change team of the dialogue, I was eager to explore how the world’s two largest economies–and biggest carbon emitters–are shaping global climate action. The United States’ and China’s policies on energy and carbon dioxide emissions will define whether we can meet global climate goals. Yet, their relationship is often marked by competition rather than collaboration. And if they fail to cooperate on climate action, the ripple effects will be felt globally, especially in developing countries that are already under strain. Being from Ukraine, I have seen firsthand how climate change worsens vulnerabilities, from extreme weather impacting agriculture to energy insecurity during conflict. For many other countries the stakes of inaction are not abstract–they are urgent.

Our Zoom discussions centered on these challenges and the complexities of climate policies. We debated the impact of the new COP agreement during the UN Climate Change Conference. We discussed how shifting U.S. administrations affect climate commitments and the barriers to cooperation, such as U.S. trade restrictions and China’s coal dependency. One of the most interesting parts of our discussions was the recognition that climate cooperation does not have to start at the highest levels of government. People-to-people dialogue is an important role of universities and scientific partnerships.. Technology and markets emerged as potential bridges, as there is growing interest in renewable energy and emissions reduction.

As we prepare for our upcoming trip to China, I am excited to continue these conversations in person. Seeing China’s sustainability efforts firsthand and engaging in deeper discussions with fellow students will be invaluable. Before policies shift, people need to talk. And conversations between students, future policymakers, and researchers help build the foundation for larger cooperation. Despite political differences, the urgency of climate action unites us all, and I remain optimistic that dialogue can lead to a positive impact.

Ksenia Dubova (G'25) is pursuing a Master’s in Global Human Development at Georgetown University, with a specialization in climate change and environment.