Before COP-28, China and the US have reached a significant agreement to address climate change. A document released by China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment outlines their commitment to jointly combat global warming. This includes the establishment of working groups dedicated to various aspects such as energy transition, methane reduction, circular economy, resource efficiency, lowering carbon emissions, and tackling deforestation.
Experts in China praised this document, named the 'Sunnyland Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis', considering it a hard-won achievement amid ongoing tensions between the two nations. The accord, highlighted by the Global Times, sets the stage for global collaboration ahead of the COP-28 climate conference in the UAE. China and the US, recognizing the increasing impact of the climate crisis on nations worldwide, have affirmed their dedication to effectively implementing the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
Their mutual aim is aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, striving to cap the global average temperature increase below 2 degrees Celsius and endeavoring to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In pursuit of these goals, China and the US have committed to dialogues and collaborative efforts throughout the 2020s. They have decided to establish a working group dedicated to expediting tangible climate actions, emphasizing areas such as energy transition, methane reduction, circular economy, resource efficiency, development of low-carbon and sustainable provinces/cities, and combatting deforestation, among other agreed-upon domains.
Both nations underscored the significance of COP-28 in providing a meaningful response to the climate crisis, especially during this pivotal decade and beyond. Recognizing their pivotal roles, they aim to work collaboratively, not only in addressing the Paris Agreement's objectives on a national level but also in bolstering multilateralism.
Chinese scientists lauded the agreement as a 'breakthrough' for its indication of a 'top-down approach', wherein governments lead working groups to ensure target attainment. Notably, Xi Zhenhua, China's Special Envoy for Climate Change, and John Kerry, the US President's Special Envoy on Climate Change, engaged in frequent meetings in both countries since July.
Climate discussions between China and the US had previously stagnated following former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan last year. However, this year marked a turnaround as Kerry became one of the highest-ranking US officials to visit China for discussions with Xi specifically on climate change cooperation.
