‘In Fact with Kyle Obermann’ Series Scheduled for Broadcast on CGTN
The series explores one of the most contentious environmental subjects worldwide: China’s environmental record and its influence on the globe.
TroibNews 
"Fact Check with Kyle Obermann," an innovative TV series featured on CN, tackles one of the most controversial environmental issues: China's environmental footprint and its influence globally.
Comprising five episodes, each less than seven minutes, the series leverages academic research, governmental statistics, discussions with experts from China and the West, and insights from Obermann’s extensive background in Chinese environmental issues. It covers the breadth of China’s environmental strategies, including its new national parks, developments in the electric vehicle and solar industries, export dynamics, and the approaches towards air pollution management and tree planting.
The series critically analyzes crucial questions concerning the effects, costs, and benefits of these policies while considering the evolving international discourse. It poses questions such as whether Chinese car exports help mitigate or exacerbate environmental issues, or if pushing for more tree-planting can genuinely beautify the environment. It also considers how local needs might align or clash with those of national parks.
**Electric Vehicles:**
In the opening episode, Obermann discusses China's swift advancements in the EV sector despite challenges posed by tariffs from the U.S. and EU. He seeks to determine whether the future of the industry globally hinges on Chinese innovation and its significance in the eco-friendly transformation worldwide.
**Forestation:**
Drawing from NASA satellite observations showing that China contributed about one-fourth of the new global green foliage since the 2000s, this episode delves into the nation’s ambitious tree-planting initiatives. Obermann evaluates the successes and ongoing hurdles of these efforts.
**Solar:**
Responsible for manufacturing approximately three-quarters of the globe's solar panels since 2006, China's role in boosting worldwide solar capacity is undeniable. Yet, this leadership poses concerns for some. Obermann explores the reasons behind China’s pioneering status in solar technology and why it invites controversy amidst the global climate crisis.
**National Parks:**
In a 2021 move, China detailed plans for establishing 49 national parks, starting with the first five. This episode features discussions with authorities to understand how these parks operate within highly populated environments.
**Air Pollution:**
China has reduced its air pollution by 42.3% between 2013 and 2021, thanks to its “Battle for Blue Skies” initiative. Obermann scrutinizes the data from this campaign in the final episode, contemplating the global implications of these results.
**About the host:**
Kyle Obermann, renowned for his environmental activism, is a skilled photographer, filmmaker, writer, and athlete with a focus on Asia’s mountainous terrains. Fluent in Mandarin and having lived in China for seven years, Obermann’s work has earned him significant recognition, including two awards from China’s Wildlife Image and Video Competition. His engagements include speaking at TEDx and serving on the jury for China’s Outdoor Environmental Awards. A recognized member of several prestigious groups, Obermann continues to contribute to environmental conservation and cross-cultural understanding.
The series is set to premiere on CN starting September 23, 2024, with all episodes accessible on CN Europe's social media platforms.
**Credit:**
- **Presenter**: Kyle Obermann
- **Producer**: Du Yubin
- **Design Team**: Angela Martin, Ilze Juhnevica
- **Creative Director**: Alexander Shields
- **Chief Editors**: Qian Fang, Guo Chun, Duncan Hooper
- **Executive Producer**: Mei Yan
Research support was provided by Elean Yin.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
Comprising five episodes, each less than seven minutes, the series leverages academic research, governmental statistics, discussions with experts from China and the West, and insights from Obermann’s extensive background in Chinese environmental issues. It covers the breadth of China’s environmental strategies, including its new national parks, developments in the electric vehicle and solar industries, export dynamics, and the approaches towards air pollution management and tree planting.
The series critically analyzes crucial questions concerning the effects, costs, and benefits of these policies while considering the evolving international discourse. It poses questions such as whether Chinese car exports help mitigate or exacerbate environmental issues, or if pushing for more tree-planting can genuinely beautify the environment. It also considers how local needs might align or clash with those of national parks.
**Electric Vehicles:**
In the opening episode, Obermann discusses China's swift advancements in the EV sector despite challenges posed by tariffs from the U.S. and EU. He seeks to determine whether the future of the industry globally hinges on Chinese innovation and its significance in the eco-friendly transformation worldwide.
**Forestation:**
Drawing from NASA satellite observations showing that China contributed about one-fourth of the new global green foliage since the 2000s, this episode delves into the nation’s ambitious tree-planting initiatives. Obermann evaluates the successes and ongoing hurdles of these efforts.
**Solar:**
Responsible for manufacturing approximately three-quarters of the globe's solar panels since 2006, China's role in boosting worldwide solar capacity is undeniable. Yet, this leadership poses concerns for some. Obermann explores the reasons behind China’s pioneering status in solar technology and why it invites controversy amidst the global climate crisis.
**National Parks:**
In a 2021 move, China detailed plans for establishing 49 national parks, starting with the first five. This episode features discussions with authorities to understand how these parks operate within highly populated environments.
**Air Pollution:**
China has reduced its air pollution by 42.3% between 2013 and 2021, thanks to its “Battle for Blue Skies” initiative. Obermann scrutinizes the data from this campaign in the final episode, contemplating the global implications of these results.
**About the host:**
Kyle Obermann, renowned for his environmental activism, is a skilled photographer, filmmaker, writer, and athlete with a focus on Asia’s mountainous terrains. Fluent in Mandarin and having lived in China for seven years, Obermann’s work has earned him significant recognition, including two awards from China’s Wildlife Image and Video Competition. His engagements include speaking at TEDx and serving on the jury for China’s Outdoor Environmental Awards. A recognized member of several prestigious groups, Obermann continues to contribute to environmental conservation and cross-cultural understanding.
The series is set to premiere on CN starting September 23, 2024, with all episodes accessible on CN Europe's social media platforms.
**Credit:**
- **Presenter**: Kyle Obermann
- **Producer**: Du Yubin
- **Design Team**: Angela Martin, Ilze Juhnevica
- **Creative Director**: Alexander Shields
- **Chief Editors**: Qian Fang, Guo Chun, Duncan Hooper
- **Executive Producer**: Mei Yan
Research support was provided by Elean Yin.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
