Silent Transformations to 1.5°C – With China's Encumbered Leading
Abstract
The US has voluntarily ceded global leadership on climate action by withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement. China now leads the world in carbon emissions producing almost 30% of the world total. Yet it can play a key, albeit encumbered, leadership role in limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. This essay reviews the literature on the traditional Chinese concept of silent transformations articulated by philosopher François Jullien and others. It encourages a deep intercultural dialogue about the role of China, its culture and large population, to aid silent transformations for shaping the course of the world climate. Two kinds of levers are highlighted, firstly using ordinary people's situational potential through ordinary actions, and secondly helping to induce the Chinese dream of natural regulation.