On February 27, 2015, prof. Chen Jining, president of Beijing's Tsinghua University, was officially appointed as China's Environmental Protection Minister, replacing Mr. Zhou Shengxian.

Prof. Chen was Tsinghua president since 2007. He holds a BSc in Environmental Engineering (1986) from the Tsinghua University, Beijing and a PhD in Environmental Systems Analysis (1993) from Imperial College, London. His research interests include environmental systems analysis and integrated assessment, with focus on uncertainty analysis, applied to environmental engineering, planning and management as well as policies. Despite his academic background and lack of political experience, prof. Chen has ample practical experience of solving a wide range of environmental problems, dealing with government ministries and encouraging new business solutions.

In his mandate, prof. Chen will face several demanding tasks, such as how to translate the leadership's priorities for 'sustainable growth' into real improvements to the poor quality of the country's air, soil and water. All in all, prof. Chen takes on his new job amid major challenges, as China tries to tackle a full-scale environmental crisis.

The new Minister's personal page on the MEP website.