Visiting Political Science Professor Lucia Green-Weiskel Brings Global Perspectives to Climate Action

Sarah Zahoor ’26

Contributing Writer

In the world of international relations, where shifting alliances and diplomatic tensions create a realm difficult to navigate, few scholars stand out like Professor Lucia Green-Weiskel, a visiting political science professor at Trinity. With an academic career shaped by immersive global experiences and a deep commitment to climate action, she brings a unique perspective to the dynamics between two of the world’s most powerful nations, the United States and China. From her work on cooperative climate policies to her mission of decolonizing the classroom, Green-Weiskel’s contributions underscore a vision of international relations centered on both diplomatic strength and empathy. 

After earning her B.A. from Hampshire College, Lucia pursued an MSc in Asian Politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London, where her interest in China’s political landscape took root. Her focus solidified during her Ph.D. in International Relations at CUNY’s Graduate Center in New York City, where she developed an understanding of the U.S.-China relations shaped by the nations’ complex history and mutual economic dependencies. She has spent over a quarter of a century dedicated to these issues, believing that fostering cooperation between the U.S. and China on climate change is essential for the world and its preservation.

Lucia’s professional journey reflects her commitment to applying academic insights to real-world challenges. She began her career as a Project Manager at the U.S.-China Clean Tech Center and later became a Special Advisor at the Innovation Center for Energy and Transportation, both based in Beijing. This experience allowed her to contribute directly to climate change and energy policy efforts, providing her with an invaluable perspective on the intersection of policy, technology and environmental needs. During her tenure, Lucia co-created the Energy and Climate Registry, a tool for corporations in China to manage and report greenhouse gas emissions, a foundational step in the country’s commitment to addressing climate change.

Lucia’s policy work has always emphasized cooperation over confrontation. While many view the U.S.-China relationship as a battle for influence and power, Green-Weiskel advocates for a different approach. She believes that the climate crisis necessitates a collaboration, where both countries move beyond rivalry to find common ground on shared threats like global warming. Her dedication to this cause is evident not only in her work but in her writing, which has been featured in The Nation, The Huffington Post, Grist, Alternet, The Brooklyn Rail and The New York Times. Her interviews on platforms like Democracy Now!, WNYC’s Brian Lehrer Show and This American Life further illustrate her influence as a public intellectual committed to advancing dialogue on global cooperation. Furthermore, her six-year position as a term member on the Council of Foreign Relations solidifies the expertise and knowledge she brings to the classroom. 

In addition to her policy work, Lucia brings a unique approach to her teaching. She emphasizes the importance of “decolonizing the classroom,” challenging students to question preconceived notions and examine perspectives from a global lens. “My goal is to inspire students to push their ideas beyond what they’re familiar with,” she explained. “I encourage students to approach issues with an open mind, pushing aside preconceived biases to make room for deeper analyses.”

At Queens College and Vermont State University, where Lucia has also taught, her classes are designed to cultivate serious, open-minded thinkers. In courses such as U.S. Foreign Policy and Introduction to International Relations, she encourages students to view topics like American exceptionalism, state-building and climate justice as interwoven with global policy, making the complex material relatable through real-world applications and peer discussions. Inspired by the diverse scholarship in political science, she frequently integrates publications by her peers to demonstrate varied approaches to policy and political theory, fostering a dynamic and inclusive classroom environment.

Today, Lucia continues her work in the U.S.-China relations with a focus on the intersection of climate policy and social justice. She’s currently writing a book on the obstacles to cooperation between the U.S. and China, a topic she believes is critical to understanding the broader challenges facing global cooperation. One of the most pressing issues she addresses is the way in which China is often used as a “tool” in U.S. domestic political disputes — a practice she argues hinders meaningful dialogue on global issues like climate change, where collaborative efforts could drive real progress.

Her academic and professional journeys illustrate the value of cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Her time spent in cities like London, Beijing and New York has shaped her unique view on the world, fostering a sense of responsibility to both her students and the field of international relations. She encourages students and colleagues alike to remain committed to values of openness and empathy, believing that a more peaceful, cooperative world is not only possible but essential. Through her research, teaching and writing, Lucia exemplifies the power of bridging divides, be they geographical, ideological or generational. Her work serves as a reminder that the challenges of today’s world require solutions that are as complex and nuanced as the issues themselves.

A Massachusetts native, Green-Weiskel graduated from Amherst High School. Then and now, she spends much of her time library-hopping with her daughters. Lucia mentioned that she often re-reads old books because there is always something new to learn or a new perspective to take. She’s particularly fond of Ann Patchett, Sebastian Younger and Christopher Hitchens, all renowned authors and journalists. Lucia also mentioned that she’s an enthusiastic skier, having taught her 1-year-old how to handle the slopes. She also enjoys hiking, figure skating and farm life. Since teaching at Trinity, Lucia has moved back to Amherst where she lives on a farm with her family, surrounded by the sweet life of sheep and chickens. In addition to writing her book, she processes wool in New Hampshire and makes blankets which she then gifts to friends and family.