At a United Nations climate summit, global leaders expressed a heightened commitment to combatting climate change following China’s announcement of its emission reduction target. Chinese President Xi Jinping revealed plans for a 7-10% cut in emissions by 2035, a significant move from the world’s leading carbon emitter responsible for over 31% of global CO2 emissions.
While this marked China’s first formal pledge to reduce emissions, some experts considered the target insufficient compared to the 30% reduction recommended by scientists to align with the 1.5°C global warming limit. Over 100 world leaders convened to stress the urgency of stronger actions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and address the escalating impact of extreme weather events.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres orchestrated a special summit during the General Assembly to emphasize the need for concrete strategies to reduce emissions from fossil fuels. Following hours of discussions, approximately 100 nations, accounting for two-thirds of emissions worldwide, outlined plans to intensify efforts in curbing emissions and combating climate change.
Xi Jinping committed China to boosting wind and solar power sixfold from 2020 levels, promoting pollution-free vehicles, and fostering a climate-resilient society. The European Union also unveiled preliminary emission reduction targets ranging from 66% to 72%, with a formal plan submission expected before the upcoming climate negotiations in November.
While lauded as a step in the right direction, the proposed targets were deemed insufficient by some climate experts. Jake Schmidt from the Natural Resources Defense Council emphasized that more ambitious actions are necessary to avert climate catastrophe. Conversely, the UN’s climate chief, Simon Stiell, hailed China’s plan as a signal towards a cleaner global economy, highlighting the economic, environmental, and health benefits of accelerated climate action.
However, criticisms surfaced regarding the perceived modesty of China’s targets. Former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra expressed disappointment, urging China to enhance its commitments to bolster global climate efforts.
During the summit, Chinese President Xi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva indirectly addressed U.S. President Donald Trump’s skepticism on climate change. They emphasized the importance of aligning international efforts towards combating climate change, underscoring the imperative for all nations to heed scientific warnings.
As the deadline approaches for nations to submit updated emission reduction plans under the Paris climate accord, UN officials stress the urgency for comprehensive and ambitious strategies to limit global warming. While progress has been made in reducing future warming projections, the world remains challenged to meet the accord’s ambitious target of limiting warming to 1.5°C since the industrial era.
