Xie Zhenhua is a distinguished Chinese politician, diplomat, and environmental leader who has played a central role in shaping China's climate and environmental policies. Born in November 1949 in Tianjin, China, he graduated from the Department of Engineering Physics at Tsinghua University in 1977 and earned a Master's Degree in Environmental Law from Wuhan University in 1991. His career in public service began with significant responsibilities in environmental protection, including serving as the head of the National Environmental Protection Agency in the 1990s and later as Minister of the State Environmental Protection Administration. From 2007 to 2017, Xie held the position of Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), where he oversaw portfolios related to climate change, resource conservation, environmental protection, energy saving, emission reduction, and circular economy, contributing to China's shift toward sustainable development and ecological civilization.

As China's Special Representative for Climate Change Affairs from 2007 to 2020, Xie emerged as a key international negotiator, known for his candid and tough stance in global climate talks. He was instrumental in the successful negotiation of the Paris Agreement in 2015, advocating for the interests of developing nations while promoting cooperative action. Reappointed as Special Envoy for Climate Change in February 2021 and Special Advisor to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment since April 2020, Xie continued to influence bilateral and multilateral climate diplomacy, including dialogues with counterparts like John Kerry. His efforts have been recognized with prestigious awards, such as the LUI Che Woo Prize for Sustainability in 2017, the UNEP Sasakawa Environment Prize in 2003, and the WWF Liveable Planet Leadership Award in 2015; he donated the 2017 prize money to establish climate-focused institutes at Tsinghua University. Xie is set to retire in December 2023 following the COP28 talks in Dubai, leaving a legacy of advancing China's green policies and global climate governance.

Xie's approach has been characterized by a balance of domestic implementation and international advocacy, transforming China's climate strategy from reluctance to leadership in emission reductions and renewable energy. He has been praised for openness to media and NGOs but criticized in some circles for prioritizing national interests over bolder global commitments. His tenure highlights China's growing influence in environmental networks, with connections to international figures and organizations.