Erik Solheim has spent decades championing sustainable development on the world stage—from investigating field sites as a UN under-secretary-general to delivering high-level conference speeches. But in CGTN’s new series, China Quest: A Journey Through Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains, Solheim swapped roles: he became the interviewer.
Turning the Tables
Armed with a handheld mic and curiosity, Solheim set off deep into the Chinese mainland. Rather than offering expert commentary, he sat down with villagers, innovators and activists to uncover the personal stories driving one of the planet’s most ambitious green transformations.
Voices of Change
- Riverside Innovators: In a mountain village, a small startup uses river turbines to power local schools.
- Tea Farmers’ Revival: Farmers in Sichuan share how ancient irrigation techniques are cutting water waste by nearly 40%.
- Community Forests: A citizen-led reforestation project outside Chengdu has planted 50,000 saplings in two years.
These conversations reveal how grassroots ingenuity and policy support can intersect to create lasting impact. Each story underscores a simple truth: real change often starts with one person daring to think differently.
Behind the Camera
Off-camera, Solheim and a lean production team navigated narrow mountain roads and late-night editing rooms. The result is a candid, unfiltered look at the hopes and challenges facing communities that are rewriting the narrative on sustainability.
By stepping into the interviewer’s shoes, Solheim reminded us that listening can be as powerful as speaking. His journey across the Chinese mainland shines a fresh light on the human faces at the heart of what many call the world’s largest ecological experiment.
Reference(s):
Behind the Scenes: A role reversal journey with one former UN leader
cgtn.com
