In recent years, marine protection has gradually become a hot topic in international environmental politics. MPA, as a tool of marine zoning management, has attracted more and more concern and attention. In this context, a seminar on “Design of Large Marine Protected Areas: Theory and Practice” was held on August 27, 2018 by G-Hub and the International Master of Environmental Policy Program of Duke University and Duke Kunshan University. The seminar shared the case study of Antarctic and Yellow Sea ecosystems, and considering the background of climate change, the principles, methods and practices of the construction of large-scale MPAs were discussed. G-hub has complied the report based on the presentations, hoping to promote the learning and exchange among those concerned about marine protection in China.
Large marine protected areas (MPAs) can protect the ocean’s resilience more effectively and play an essential role in supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation.
The term “discourse power” is generally considered to originate from Foucault’s “Discourse is power”. The particularity of the global commons has meant that only a few countries were able to participate substantively in decision-making, which is sometimes in the name of “representing all humanity” So, the moral factor really matters in the mainstream discourse when it comes to problems in the public common. Therefore, it is crucial to coordinate national interests with the interests of all mankind in mind, and also short-term interests with long-term interests in public common. This paper observes a specific negotiation process on environmental protection which is a common issue, and proposes a framework for analyzing the institutional discourse power in common governance for discussion, and attempts to put forward some practical recommendations.
The Paris Agreement, which came into force in 2016, sets a long-term goal of decarbonizing the global economy to protect vulnerable people from extreme weather and other weather-induced events. The “Belt and Road Initiative” aims to build a “green, intellectual, and peaceful” Silk Road, and proposes to strengthen green and low-carbon infrastructure construction and operation, with consideration on the impact of climate change in construction. Based on the international green investments in power sector, this paper identifies the potential risks and new opportunities facing China’s power investment in key Asian countries, while considering their national independent contributions and power development plans. It also provides reference and recommendations for Chinese policy makers and investors in developing power investment plans along “ Belt and Road” that are consistent with the 2°C temperature objectives of the Agreement.
