By Sichen Liu
On the morning of April 27, 2024, the Shanghai Climate Week 2024 Youth Climate Action Science and Creative Works Presentation, guided by the Communication and Education Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, co-hosted by Shanghai Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction Center Co. Ltd. and Shanghai Green Light Year, and supported by the Shanghai Climate Week as well as Zhejiang Inergy, was successfully held at the Shanghai EV-AI Smart Haven.
Ms. Sichen Liu, the guest speaker, gave a speech on the topic of “Research Illuminates Climate Action, Leadership Drives the Green Revolution “.
The relationship between climate action practice and scientific research is very close, and most of the theoretical support and practical toolkits for climate action practice come from the results of various scientific research. In my scientific research, I first studied the temporal variation of carbon dioxide in China through desktop research and explored the impact of carbon emissions on our lives. Then, I was fortunate enough to receive a grant from the Shanghai Excellence Program to enter a professional laboratory to conduct experiments on the electrocatalytic conversion of atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide. Through this research, I proposed and designed a device model that can be practically applied as a new way of CO2 treatment, which provides new ideas for industrial waste gas treatment.
Source: Sina Technology
During the 2010 World Expo, when I was just three years old, I passed by the Museum of Contemporary Art in Shanghai and was captivated by a large thermometer installation. At the time, I was simply intrigued by the sheer size of the thermometer and did not fully understand the concept of climate change. However, as I grew older, I came to appreciate that this installation was not merely a piece of art, but a visual representation of the city’s climate issues. Living in a bustling metropolis, I enjoy the convenience and comfort it provides, but I am also acutely aware of the impacts of climate change on our lives. In recent years, Shanghai has faced unprecedented heat waves. The extreme summer temperatures, the alarming heat warnings in the news, and the sight of people enduring the heat in the city have all highlighted to me the profound effects of climate change.
This giant thermometer sparked my initial interest in climate issues. I began to explore the subject further by reading related books and articles, and I realized that global warming is not just an environmental concern but a global challenge that affects everyone and threatens the future of our planet. During the pandemic, I observed significant changes in carbon emissions across various sectors such as industry, transportation, and households. This led me to embark on my first scientific research project. By analyzing official carbon emission databases, I studied the temporal characteristics of China’s carbon emissions and discovered that they are significantly influenced by seasonal changes and holidays. For example, carbon emissions drop sharply during the Chinese New Year due to reduced electricity and industrial activities, while they increase in winter due to heating demands. The variations in the industrial and power sectors during holiday periods are key factors in these emission changes. My research also suggested that the rise of online activities during the COVID-19 pandemic notably reduced travel-related carbon emissions and recommended that citizens continue to engage in online activities to promote low-carbon living.
During high school, my interest in chemistry deepened, particularly in the field of electrocatalytic carbon dioxide conversion. Motivated by my older siblings and my exposure to scientific research, I delved into this area with the aim of applying theoretical knowledge to practical problems, hoping to bring about meaningful societal change. Recent studies in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction have predominantly used high-purity carbon dioxide as a reactant. Given that carbon dioxide constitutes only about 0.04% of the air, separating and purifying it directly from the atmosphere is costly. In response, I sought to innovate by designing a new electrolytic cell capable of efficiently converting low concentrations of carbon dioxide from the air. This system utilizes electricity generated from solar panels, thus achieving zero energy consumption. The results of my project offer new methods and technologies for low-cost, green electrocatalytic conversion, with promising applications in converting gases containing low concentrations of carbon dioxide, such as industrial waste gases, flue gases, and automobile exhaust.
During the research process on this topic, I gained substantial insights and developed a deep fascination for the field of chemistry. Through a series of experiments, I not only honed my practical laboratory skills but also acquired a wealth of new knowledge. In the university laboratory, interactions and collaborative learning with graduate students significantly enhanced my academic abilities. Particularly in the area of carbon dioxide reduction, I gained a profound understanding of the cutting-edge advancements in science and the challenges associated with applying these technologies in societal contexts. These experiences have further solidified my commitment to pursuing advanced research in this field.
Although my project has yielded some success, I recognize that there are still numerous areas for improvement. Therefore, I plan to continue refining my research and seek to apply it in real-world settings, such as factory tests, to assess its practical viability. I firmly believe that continuous practice and innovation are essential to transforming research findings into products and technologies that genuinely benefit society.
Through my project, I have participated in various international events and forums, including receiving the Global Bronze Award at the S.T. Yau High School Science Competition and the Global Gold Award at the Genius Olympiad. Additionally, I was selected as one of the 100 participants in the 6th WLA Sci-T Conference. During the roundtable discussion on environmental issues at the Sci-T Conference, I presented my research on the electrocatalytic conversion of atmospheric carbon dioxide. I was particularly impressed when my solution for the efficient conversion of low concentrations of carbon dioxide in the air was recognized and incorporated into a plastic reduction program. Sharing this solution with over 200 scientists and young researchers, and highlighting its significant role in reducing plasticity, was a profoundly rewarding experience.
Following the conference, I was encouraged by a university senior specializing in carbon dioxide reduction who reached out to share his research findings and insights. He commended my innovative approach and expressed confidence in the potential of my research direction for future development.
I have consistently pursued research with unwavering dedication. I have expanded my perspectives and explored the intersection of gender and climate change, conducting policy-oriented research to empirically analyze real-world challenges and policy implications. I have discovered that climate warming extends beyond being merely an environmental issue; it is intricately linked to various sectors including the economy, society, and health. Due to their specific roles and positions within society, women are often disproportionately affected by climate change, experiencing greater vulnerability to issues such as water scarcity, declining agricultural yields, and frequent natural disasters. This research has deepened my understanding of the complexity and urgency of climate warming and underscored the critical importance of integrating gender equality into climate change mitigation strategies. It has greatly broadened my perspective on climate change and motivated me to pursue further study in this field.
Simultaneously, I have recognized the need to enhance the social impact of my climate awareness and actions. I have observed that many individuals around me are familiar with the concept of environmental protection but lack a thorough understanding of its significance, or are concerned about the environment but are unsure how to take meaningful action. To address this, I have focused on educating my community about environmental issues to encourage proactive engagement.
I have taken steps to reorganize the environmental clubs at my school, recruiting members and establishing partnerships with environmental organizations in Shanghai. Over the past two years, I have worked closely with Shanghai Roots & Shoots, leveraging this collaboration to promote environmental awareness by founding an environmental club on campus. Through these efforts, I aim to increase awareness among students, faculty, and community members about the vital connection between environmental protection and their daily lives. In fostering an eco-friendly campus environment, I have led initiatives to expand my influence and involve other students concerned about environmental issues. My goal is to ensure that the platform for climate communication I have developed continues to grow and benefit our campus community.
I meticulously plan weekly thematic workshops designed to provide junior high school club members with comprehensive knowledge pleasantly and engagingly. These workshops are structured to deliver both theoretical insights and practical skills in a fun and educational format. For instance, using SDG14 (Life Below Water) and SDG15 (Life on Land) as focal points, I combine theoretical lectures with DIY activities. Students gain an understanding of the importance, current status, and actionable steps for conserving living organisms through theory, and then apply their knowledge by creating related crafts. Activities include drawing marine life conservation-themed artwork and crafting terrestrial eco-bottles, which deepen their understanding of and respect for biodiversity.
We carried out a series of sustainable actions for all students and community members, including the Tim Hortons plastic cup recycling activity on campus as part of the “Planet vs. Plastics” theme in response to Earth Protection Day. By recycling plastic cups and creating cup flowers, we urged students and teachers to reduce plastic use and enhance the recycling and reuse of plastics. We also organized a TREE WALK around the campus, utilizing Arbor Day and World Bee Protection Day to raise awareness among students about the honey trees in their surroundings and to encourage their protection. Through the club’s charity sale each semester, we raised nearly 3,000 yuan and donated over 100 trees to the Roots & Shoots Million Tree Planting Program, supporting reforestation projects in Inner Mongolia. Additionally, we conducted a food campaign, distributing food packages to grassroots laborers and private schools for migrant children, benefiting more than 60 community laborers. I also continued my efforts in education by teaching older residents about environmental protection in my community, demonstrating how they can support climate action through simple daily changes. These activities were publicized through posts on the club’s official website, within the Shanghai Roots & Shoots community, and during Shanghai Climate Week, aiming to expand the impact of our sustainable actions and increase public attention to and participation in environmental protection efforts.
I am acutely aware that I am not only a young researcher and community leader but also a young climate activist bearing a significant responsibility. I remain steadfastly committed to the realm of scientific research, utilizing science to uncover the truths about climate change and to develop strategies to address its challenges. More importantly, I will continue to devote myself to the promotion of climate education. It is only through widespread awareness of the severity of climate change that society and humanity as a whole can effectively collaborate to confront this global challenge. I believe that, through my evolution from an individual practitioner to an advocate and communicator on the climate stage, I will persist in expanding the impact of climate action and strive to amplify the voice and influence of youth in this critical effort.
