California and Chinese province of Hainan partner to fight climate change

California Construction News staff writer

California has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chinese province of Hainan to support the global fight against climate change.

The agreement focuses on five areas: cutting air pollution, developing and implementing climate adaptation and carbon neutrality plans, advancing clean energy, accelerating zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and driving nature-based solutions.

“We’re an ocean apart but share the same goals – leaving this planet better off for our kids and grandkids,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. Working together with global partners like the province of Hainan, we stand a chance to address the existential crisis of climate change by cutting pollution and transitioning to clean energy.”

The text of the MOU can be found here.

Following the signing, the California and Hainan delegations held a meeting to discuss shared priorities around climate action, air quality, clean transportation, clean energy, ocean protection and nature-based climate solutions.

“We’re glad to partner with California as we both take meaningful steps to fight the global climate crisis,” vice-governor Chen Huaiyu said in a statement. “We share the desire to raise the bar for climate solutions like cleaning our air, advancing zero emission vehicles, and embracing clean energy.”

California exceeded its 2020 climate target four years ahead of schedule, and created partnerships across the U.S. and around the world.

Last year, California enacted aggressive climate measures with a sweeping package of legislation backed by a multi-billion-dollar record investment.