The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is teaming up with top Chinese actress Zhou Xun in a campaign to raise awareness of environmental challenges.

The campaign, which will advocate lifestyle changes to tackle climate change, was kicked off yesterday with the launch of an online competition to produce the official name and logo for the entire endeavor.

The competition, hosted by Sohu.com, a major Chinese portal website, will invite the public to create an innovative image to represent the green initiative.

It will focus on every-day solutions that empower people to help turn the tide on global warming.

"Most people know about global warming, but are simply reluctant to change their lifestyle habits," Zhou Xun said.

"I hope this campaign actually convinces people to act."

"This is the first time that UNDP is to work with a Chinese artist and celebrity as a means to connect to young people and urge them to take individual actions to help tackle global warming," said Subinay Nandy, UNDP Country Director in China.

The competition will last until April 4.

(China Daily March 6, 2008)