Ji Zou

CEO & President
Energy Foundation China
Beijing, China

Prof. Ji Zou is the CEO and President of Energy Foundation China (EF China). His work focuses on supporting evidence-based approaches to climate change mitigation and sustainable energy development. His professional background spans economics, energy transition, environmental management, and climate policy analysis.

Prof. Zou has engaged in international climate processes for more than twenty years, with experience across universities, policy research institutions, and international non-governmental organizations. He took part in the negotiations of the Paris Agreement; served as a Lead Author and Coordinating Lead Author for multiple IPCC Assessment Reports; and contributed to the work of the UN Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing. Before joining EF China, he served as the first Country Director of the World Resources Institute (WRI) China Office, leading work related to climate change, clean energy, and sustainable urban development. Earlier in his career, he conducted research and policy initiatives related to low-carbon development strategies and international climate cooperation.

In academia, Prof. Zou served as Vice Dean, Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Environment and Natural Resources of Renmin University of China. His research and teaching focus included environmental economics, climate policy, and sustainable development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering and a master’s degree in Technical Economics from Tsinghua University, and a Ph.D. in Resources and Environmental Economics from Renmin University. He has also been a visiting scholar at Harvard University and the London School of Economics and Political Science.