China's scientists and international research on climate change

Chinese scientists have been active in developing a foundation for understanding key aspects of climate change and national policies for decades. In the evolution of the various meteorology and climate change research disciplines, Chinese scientists have gained access to international knowledge through overseas educational institutions and research networks. Chinese scientists have also participated in bilateral cooperation projects with scientists from the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries. Moreover, Chinese scientists have become active participants in international networks of climate research, contributing substantial research results and models to the assessments carried out, for instance, by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative approaches, this paper presents a historical analysis of these activities and their global and local contexts.