On June 18th, 47 Chinese and American students convening for the 2025 China-U.S. Youth Future Climate Leadership Exchange Program (YCLP) embarked on a deep dive into Foshan's pioneering efforts in sustainability and advanced manufacturing. Their itinerary offered firsthand insights into waste management, emissions reduction, and cutting-edge advancements in robotics, automation, and digital innovation.
The students began their exploration at the Hanlan Solid Waste Treatment Plant. Headquartered in Nanhai District, Hanlan is a national leader in environmental protection, consistently ranked among China's top ten waste-to-energy companies for eleven consecutive years. By the end of 2024, its operations had expanded to 33 cities across 15 provinces and autonomous regions. Witnessing such large-scale, efficient waste processing resonated strongly with the delegates focused on environmental solutions.
Students observe waste treatment at the Hanlan Solid Waste Treatment Plant based in Nanhai, Foshan.
Amir Moghaddam, an incoming Master's student in Climate and Society at Columbia University, was particularly struck by the experience. "I try to follow up with innovations in China," he stated, "especially with regard to how they're addressing climate concerns and ecological destruction that's going on in every corner of the earth, but nothing compares to coming here to facilities like this and learning firsthand, eye to eye."
Reflecting on challenges back home, Amir added, "In the US, we have a lot of political challenges. Much of our population doesn't even believe in climate change. And a lot of powerful people want to stay that way." He expressed hope for his generation: "I just hope that at least my generation, my cohort here, takes away a lot from this trip and that we maintain these friendships that we made with our Chinese peers. We stay in touch because we want a more peaceful world. We want a greener world."
The next stop showcased industrial innovation at Midea Group. Founded in Shunde, Foshan, in 1968 and now a global technology titan headquartered in Beijiao Town, Midea operates across key sectors: smart home appliances, building technology, industrial technology, robotics and automation, and digital innovation.
US students introduced to industrial robotics at Midea Group in Foshan.
Nathaniel Dolton-Thornton, a PhD candidate in the Energy and Resources Group at UC Berkeley, whose research focuses on electric vehicle (EV) mineral supply chains (including lithium and copper), found the visit highly relevant.
"I think this location is very interesting in terms of demonstrating some of the new technologies that are available here in China," he noted, adding, "which I think also is relevant to my own research on electric vehicle supply chains, as an example of the ways in which China is very cutting-edge in some of the research and technology development that's happening here."
Nathaniel saw significant potential for global cooperation: "I think that there could be more cooperation, collaboration, and connection between China, the US, and other countries in terms of helping us to collectively move towards a cleaner, more ecologically oriented future."
The cultural dimension of sustainability was highlighted at Foshan's historic Nanfeng Kiln, where students experienced intangible cultural heritage like lion dance, ceramic art, and paper cutting.
Student delegates from California interact with local lion dance performer in Foshan
Dakota Julian Pekerti, a Master's student also from UC Berkeley's Energy and Resources Group, appreciated the blend of tradition and modernity characteristic of the region. "I think that especially for Guangdong, I feel like there's such a special energy and culture here that preserves the traditional ways but also blends it with the new," Pekerti observed.
This initiative coincided with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Deepening Green Development Cooperation between Guangdong Province and California. The program seeks to cultivate climate awareness and problem-solving capabilities among youth from both nations, harnessing their energy to combat the global climate crisis.
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Photo: Liang Zijian
Video: Liang Zijian
Video cover: Liang Zijian
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
