Harvard's president speaks at China's prestigious Tsinghua University about climate change

Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust listens to a student's question after giving a speech at Tsinghua University in Beijing, Tuesday, March 17, 2015. Faust spoke on the role universities can play in addressing climate change and other environmental issues. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (The Associated Press)

prev next

Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust, left, and moderator Shi Yigong laugh as Faust answers a student's question at Tsinghua University in Beijing, Tuesday, March 17, 2015. Faust spoke on the role universities can play in addressing climate change and other environmental issues. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (The Associated Press)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, shakes hands with Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust at the Great Hall of the People Monday, March 16, 2015 in Beijing, China. (AP Photo/Feng Li, Pool) (The Associated Press)

BEIJING – Harvard University's president has told students at one of China's most prestigious universities that schools in the two countries should collaborate on doing research and teaching the next generation how to tackle climate change.

Drew Gilpin Faust delivered her speech at Beijing's Tsinghua University on Tuesday, the day after she met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two discussed U.S.-China cooperation in higher education and the threat of climate change.

In her speech at Xi's alma mater, Faust provided examples of how Harvard faculty and students are seeking solutions to sustainable growth in partnership with Chinese institutes in disciplines such as engineering, urban planning, law and public health.

This is Faust's second trip to Tsinghua University as Harvard's president. She first visited the school in 2008.