Industry Decarbonization Intern, China

The Environmental Defense Fund is seeking an Industry Decarbonization Intern in Boston, MA, to support the China team by monitoring climate-related measures and assisting with translations between English and Chinese. Responsibilities include creating updates on climate policies, conducting research, and participating in team activities. This role offers valuable experience in environmental work and cross-cultural collaboration, while supporting EDF's mission to tackle climate change through innovative solutions.
EDF internships provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.

Program/Department Overview

With world attention on both the environment and the economy, EDF is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. By focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches, we tackle urgent threats with practical solutions. We are one of the world’s largest environmental organizations of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

EDF China has helped lay the groundwork for great ambition with the potential for tremendous impact in China, particularly in the realm of a market-based mechanisms to accelerate industry decarbonization. The next few years are crucial, as they will determine whether China is set on a path to lasting low-carbon momentum or if some of our solid efforts are threatened by backsliding.

Overall Function

The intern will join the China team, working from the US to assist managers and other EDF staff in monitoring and analyzing climate-related measures in the international space, with a focus on energy transition, industry decarbonization initiatives, and technology innovation. The primary responsibilities include creating periodic updates related to specific projects, translating documents and news articles from English to Chinese (or vice versa) to facilitate communication and knowledge sharing between the US and China teams, and executing ad-hoc projects as assigned by team members. The intern will gain a unique and diverse experience working with cross-cultural teams, and support critical work between EDF’s US and China teams. The intern will report to Manager, Industry who is a member of the China team based in the US.

Key Responsibilities
• Translate contents from English to Chinese (or vice versa) for various projects, covering topics such as energy policies, and international environmental and economic policies and initiatives.
• Assist in executing research projects related to China's environmental development and international climate policies, and gather relevant data and information from both English and Chinese publications as required.
• Create periodic updates on China's climate policies and other energy and environment-related developments, ensuring the team stays informed about the latest trends and changes.
• Provide support to team members as needed, including note-taking during meetings, event preparation, and other tasks that contribute to the smooth operation of the team.
• Engage in learning opportunities provided by the team, such as attending relevant webinars, workshops, or training sessions to expand knowledge on ETSs, industry decarbonization, energy policies, international trade, etc.
• Participate in advancing EDF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications
• Enrolled in or recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate degree program, and/or demonstrated interest in environmental studies, communications, international studies, environmental policy, or social sciences.
• Completed coursework in environmental studies, economics, social sciences, or international policies preferred.
• Proficient in English and Mandarin Chinese (Simplified Characters preferred).
• Demonstrated ability or desire to translate academic contents between English and Chinese.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.

Location

U.S. Remote with option to be hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boston, MA, Boulder, CO, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, or Washington D.C.

Term

Summer 2025 (10 weeks)

Hours

Full-time (35 hr/week)

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $18-20/hr, depending on education level.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.

Learn more about internships at EDF -http://www.edf.org/environmental-careers/internships