Peking University, June 26, 2026: Dr. Wang Binbin, Associate Research Professor and Founding Director of the Climate Future Global Innovation Lab (C Force Lab) at Peking University's Institute of Carbon Neutrality, has been named a recipient of the 2026 National Geographic Wayfinder Award presented by Kia. She is one of 15 honorees this year and the only Chinese representative selected.
 


Established in 1888, the National Geographic Society has spent over 130 years pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration and discovery, supporting bold ideas and innovative talent across the globe. The Wayfinder Award is presented annually to 15 visionary individuals who have made outstanding contributions in science, conservation, education, technology, and storytelling.

In its congratulatory letter, the National Geographic Society stated: "We recognize that Explorers like you are leading new creative efforts to change the world in meaningful ways. We are grateful for your extraordinary leadership, tenacity, and commitment to building a thriving planet for all."

"I am grateful to the National Geographic Society for this recognition," said Dr. Wang. "This award reflects that China's contributions in addressing climate change are being seen and respected on the global stage."

 
Alex Moen, Chief Explorer Engagement Officer at the Society, added: "These visionary leaders are united by boundless curiosity and an active commitment to inspiring others to care about the world around them. We are deeply honored to welcome them to our extraordinary community of National Geographic Explorers, where their insight, courage, and purpose will continue to transcend the limits of what's possible."

As the first Chinese author to publish an English monograph on global climate governance with Springer Nature, Dr. Wang has been actively engaged in the UNFCCC process since the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Conference. Her work has helped drive China's transformation from a participant into a leader in global climate governance.
 


In November 2024, she launched the Climate Future Global Innovation Lab (C Force Lab) at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku. She describes C Force Lab as a “space station”—bridging self and world, humanity and nature, the present and the future—to explore new cultures, new agendas, new actions, and new narratives in climate governance, contributing Chinese wisdom to global sustainable development.

C Force Lab is currently advancing work across three interconnected areas: climate and gender, climate and biodiversity, and climate and food systems transformation.

Dr. Wang's research has deepened over time. In October 2025, she launched the "Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges" global dialogue at the United Nations Office at Geneva. In February 2026, she and her co-authors published papers in both The Journal of International Politics and the journal Environment, formally proposing "Civilization-based Solutions" (CbS)—a new framework that draws wisdom from both China's traditional culture and from global, Indigenous and local knowledge, complementing AI-driven technological pathways. 

"The spirit of exploration that the Wayfinder Award celebrates resonates deeply with my own beliefs," said Dr. Wang. "Exploration is not about novelty for its own sake—it is about finding viable, diverse pathways in an uncertain world. I am especially grateful to Peking University and the Institute of Carbon Neutrality for providing such an open and supportive research environment. I look forward to joining fellow explorers around the world in charting new possibilities for a future of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature."
 


Source: Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Peking University