At a United Nations climate summit, global leaders expressed a heightened commitment to combatting climate change and its associated severe weather patterns following China’s announcement of its initial emissions reduction target. Chinese President Xi Jinping disclosed in a video message that China, the largest emitter of carbon pollution worldwide, aims to slash emissions by seven to 10 percent by 2035. This marked China’s first commitment to emission reduction, albeit falling short of the 30 percent reduction by 2035 recommended by some scientists to align with the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit goal.
Over 100 world leaders convened to stress the urgency and necessity for more robust actions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres organized a leaders’ summit during the General Assembly to focus on strategies to reduce emissions from fossil fuels. Following extensive discussions, approximately 100 nations, responsible for the majority of global emissions, presented plans or commitments to further decrease fossil fuel emissions and combat climate change.
China’s pledge included a sixfold increase in wind and solar power from 2020 levels, mainstreaming pollution-free vehicles, and establishing a climate-resilient society. Conversely, the European Union introduced a less detailed yet unofficial plan committing member states to cut emissions by 66 to 72 percent, with a formal submission scheduled before the November negotiations.
While these new commitments signal progress in addressing climate change, experts caution that more ambitious targets are necessary to avert climate catastrophe. The UN’s climate chief emphasized that China’s plan signals a shift towards a clean energy-based global economy, promoting economic growth, job creation, and improved environmental and public health outcomes for all.
Despite the positive steps, some critics found China’s target insufficient, calling for more aggressive action given its significant clean energy capabilities. The need for stronger commitment and bolder initiatives to achieve global climate objectives was reiterated by various leaders and experts, emphasizing the imperative for swift and decisive climate action.
At the summit, Presidents Xi and Lula da Silva of Brazil indirectly referenced criticisms of climate change denial, highlighting the importance of united efforts towards combatting climate change. The urgency to submit revised emission reduction plans by the end of the month under the Paris climate accord was emphasized, with nations urged to adhere to their commitments to limit global warming and safeguard the planet for future generations.