EU Delegation launches social media campaign “Sustainability Tour 2024” to showcase EU-China collaboration on green transition and environment protection

Location: EU Delegation in China, Beijing

On September 12, the opening ceremony of the “Sustainability Tour 2024” was officially launched at the Delegation of the European Union to China. Through this campaign, the EU invites the Chinese public on a virtual trip across China to learn about cooperation between the European Union and China. This series of vlogs touches upon environment protection, climate change, green transition and sustainability and gathers the participation of the EU Member States’ diplomatic missions in China and the European Investment Bank.

The EU hopes that the Sustainability Tour will not only allow people to enjoy the experience of low-carbon living, but also promote sustainability across environmental, economic, and social areas. By integrating environmental protection into everyday life, inspire people will be inspired to make positive changes.

At the opening ceremony, vlogger Sunfengren expressed that participating in the Sustainability Tour was a great opportunity to discover fruitful cooperation projects between the EU and China. For vlogger Xiaoyu, the main takeaway of this campaign was a better understanding of the importance of small daily practices in people’s lives and youth participation towards a greener future.

Four young environmental enthusiasts, Shasha, Baojong, Xiaoyu, and Sunfengren, were invited to embark on this tour. On their journey to discover EU-China cooperation projects in multiple cities, they will travel by bicycle to minimize their carbon footprint. Stay tuned.

Sustainability Tour 2024 Episode #1: My future is in my hands: EU-China Experimental Course on Climate

Location: China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang

European Union, 2024

Shasha rode 6km to China Jiliang University, reducing her carbon emissions by 1.2 kg. On the way, Shasha enjoyed the campus views of lotus ponds and ivy. Maintaining green and natural landscapes is also a way of promoting a low-carbon lifestyle.

During this trip, Shasha learned about the "EU-China Climate Experimental Course," a project promoted by the European Union Delegation in collaboration with several Chinese universities. This project showcases the EU's support for China's sustainability, providing a platform for students to deeply engage with and actively address climate change issues, while also fostering their enthusiasm for environmental protection.

With the support of educational resources and advanced teaching methods offered by EU experts, students combine theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges through various interactive activities and discussions, including analysing climate change cases and simulating response strategies. This integrated approach significantly enhances students' environmental awareness and practical skills. It broadens their global perspectives, deepens their understanding of international environmental issues, and prepares them for future environmental protection actions.

Shasha met with Yu Wei, Executive Director of the Research Center for Carbon Neutrality and Green Development at the University, who told her about the EU-China Experimental Course on Climate’s unique curriculum. The course incorporates both online theoretical lectures, fieldtrips and visits, encouraging students to turn knowledge learnt in the classroom into action in real life. Shasha also interacted with the course’s students who said that it increases their knowledge of climate change and inspires their enthusiasm for environmental protection and climate action. The students are looking forward to the next phase of the EU-China collaboration course. From these enthusiastic interactions, Shasha felt the younger generation’s deep understanding of climate change and their commitment to a sustainable future.

European Union, 2024