At the crack of dawn, the tranquil waters of West Lake in Hangzhou of the Chinese mainland played host to an unexpected duo: former UN under-secretary-general Erik Solheim and local volunteer Zhu Shuhong. Armed with a simple shoulder pole and determination, they set out to clear the shoreline of debris, forging a bridge between global ambition and grassroots dedication.
Solheim, who has steered environmental policies on the world stage, found himself bending under the weight of plastic bottles and discarded wrappers. For Zhu, the lake has been a second home for over a decade; she’s spent countless mornings stirring mist and fishing out trash to keep its famed beauty intact. Together, they gathered an assortment of litter — from coffee cups to fishing lines — proving that leadership isn’t just in boardrooms, but in boots on the ground.
Their collaboration is more than a symbolic photo op. It highlights the power of local action to amplify global messages. As Solheim observes, sweeping policies make headlines, but community volunteers write the stories on the shoreline. Meanwhile, Zhu’s quiet persistence shows how every individual can become a guardian of public treasure.
West Lake, celebrated for its centuries-old gardens, willows and pagodas, draws millions of visitors each year — and, inevitably, microplastics and litter. By dedicating just one morning to plucking debris from the water’s edge, the duo demonstrated a simple truth: when everyone takes responsibility, small acts can spark a larger movement.
For young global citizens, business innovators, thought leaders and digital nomads tuning in worldwide, the lesson is clear: global frameworks need local champions. Next time you explore a sunrise spot, pause and ask yourself: could one more step make all the difference?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
