China Is Reshaping Global Development. Is That Good for the Planet?

Inside Climate News · By Katie Surma · last updated March 30, 2025 – 1:07 AM

China is deploying low-carbon investments through its $1.3 trillion Belt and Road Initiative. But many of these projects come with risks of their own. Case in point: Two hydroelectric dams in Argentina could flood cultural heritage sites and harm one of the world’s largest glacial icefields.

By Katie Surma

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s flagship global infrastructure program was supposed to help expand Beijing’s global influence.

Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands after signing documents during a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People on Feb. 4, 2015 in Beijing, C

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