In the story of the Chinese zodiac, the rooster is the 10th animal to cross the river and the Jade Emperor's finish line. But it did not cross alone. It found a small raft, and invited the goat and the monkey to join him on the crossing. The goat and the monkey helped clear the weeds, and navigate the raft toward the opposite bank. With teamwork, they arrived together. Pleased with their work, the Jade Emperor gave them all a year on the zodiac.

We humans remain engaged in our own race, an environmental one, as we enter the Year of the Rooster. The Year of the Goat and Year of the Monkey have just passed, and we rely on the good work done over the two years to move further across the river.

This is a global race, as all of us are affected by climate change and worsening environment. Many countries have risen to the challenge, with China's leadership role being vital to the struggle.