Happy Earth Day! The China Current shares the stories of our natural world and those who work to protect it. On this Earth Day, nature photographer and Special Contributor Kyle Obermann reminds us that our health and wellbeing are deeply connected with the Earth.

The UN works hard to fight poverty, create access to medicine, and protect the planet. Siddharth Chatterjee is now its Resident Coordinator in China, after serving in the same role in Kenya. Now, he oversees how the organization shapes opportunities for the most populous country on earth. Our Host James Chau asks him about his formative years in India — and how the UN is improving the human condition.

In this second episode with international concert violinist Tasmin Little and yangqin player Reylon Yount, they explore the relationship between our planet and the music they perform. As one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, China's culture has a strong link to the natural world, from the designs on its traditional instruments, to the melodies that inspired its composers. Tasmin, our new music contributor, draws on Reylon's background as an environment major at Harvard and how he merges this interest with his musical career.