TED: Why is China appointing judges to combat climate change? | James K. Thornton

The transcript discusses China's efforts in environmental law and litigation, highlighting collaboration with Chinese officials, training of judges, and empowering prosecutors to sue the government. It addresses the challenges of coal usage and the role of financial institutions in environmental change. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights into China's systemic changes towards environmental improvements, offering a hopeful outlook for the future.

What is the primary focus of Client Earth in China?

• Improving trade relations

• Enhancing environmental law enforcement

• Developing new technology

• Promoting tourism

What was the revolutionary aspect of the new law discussed in the meetings with Chinese officials?

• Reducing taxes for businesses

• Promoting international tourism

• Increasing trade tariffs

• Allowing NGOs to sue polluting companies

What was a key recommendation made by the speaker's team regarding litigation costs?

• Polluters should pay all costs if they lose

• NGOs should pay all costs if they lose

• The government should cover all costs

• Costs should be shared equally

How many Environment Court judges were trained by the speaker's organization?

• 2000

• 1500

• 500

• 1000

What significant change occurred in the number of environmental cases brought in 2020?

• 10,000 cases

• 50,000 cases

• 80,000 cases

• 100,000 cases

What was the focus of the seminar organized for financial institutions in China?

• Promoting tourism

• Discussing coal as a bad investment

• Developing new technology

• Enhancing trade relations

What was the outcome of the government audit regarding coal-fired power stations?

• They were all shut down

• They were all legally authorized

• Many were authorized illegally

• They were all upgraded

What commitment did China make regarding coal power stations abroad?

• To reduce emissions

• To upgrade existing ones

• To build more

• To stop funding and building

What is the expected trend for China's emissions before 2030?

• They will double

• They will increase

• They will plateau and decline

• They will remain constant

What has been the overall impact of China's environmental initiatives according to the speaker?

• Decreased international cooperation

• Increased pollution

• Significant systemic change

• Minimal change