As the US vacates the global climate stage, China’s Xi Jinping may become the next green global leader with a major climate intervention. Will he claim climate supremacy?
With the US under Donald Trump vacating the stage when it comes to tackling global warming, China’s Xi Jinping could become the next green global leader. The climate crown is waiting to be claimed – and if China wants it, it is his for the taking.
Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician who has been serving as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) since 2012.
Born on June 15, 1953, in Beijing, Xi Jinping rose through the ranks of the CPC to become the President of China in 2013.
He has implemented various policies, including the Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at promoting economic cooperation and development.
Under his leadership, China has experienced rapid economic growth and increased global influence.
The Mixed Climate Record of China
Since 2006, China has been the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases as the nation has rapidly industrialised. However, that industrialisation has seen it become the world leader in solar panel manufacturing. ‘Xi Jinping himself has shied away from the global climate stage, not attending a COP climate summit since Paris in 2015,’ said an expert.
China is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, and vast geography.
With a population of over 1.4 billion people, it is the most populous country in the world.
China shares borders with 14 countries, including India, Nepal, and Vietnam.
The capital city is Beijing, which is home to many historical landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
China has made significant economic progress, becoming the world's second-largest economy after the United States.
A Turning Point for China’s Emissions
But China’s emissions appear to have peaked. It also looks like Xi Jinping is planning to make an appearance at COP30 when it will be held in Belém, Brazil this November. The pieces are falling into place for a major climate intervention from China – but what will it be? The most likely announcement is an interim target on the way to 2060, perhaps a pledge for certain cuts by 2040.
A Net-Zero Pledge: The Next Step
If ‘Xi Jinping wants to be the world’s climate leader,’ he should go further, with a pledge of net zero by 2050. This would simply match existing targets by the likes of the UK but could spur on green tech and make it harder for others to wrigle out of their commitments. ‘China adopting the 2050 target would send a strong signal to the world that reducing emissions is no longer just a moral imperative, but an economic necessity,’ said another expert.
Convincing Xi: The Role of Brazil
Will Xi Jinping go so far? Probably not. But with reports that COP30 may be a disappointment, the Brazilian president, ‘Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva‘, who has made no secret of his desire for strong relations with China, would do well to work on convincing Xi Jinping to act. If China is to take the crown, Brazil can be the crown bearer.
The Global Implications
If ‘China adopts a net-zero target by 2050‘, it will have significant implications for the global climate agenda. It could lead to increased pressure on other countries to follow suit and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. It could also spur innovation and investment in green technologies, creating new opportunities for economic growth and development.
A net-zero target refers to a goal of achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by balancing emissions with removals, typically through carbon capture and storage or reforestation.
This concept is crucial in mitigating climate change.
The Paris Agreement encourages countries to set and implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which often include net-zero targets.
Achieving net-zero requires a transition to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency measures, and the development of carbon capture technologies.
A New Era of Global Cooperation
As China takes center stage on the global climate stage, it will be interesting to see how other countries respond. Will they be willing to adapt to a new era of global cooperation, where nations work together to address the most pressing challenge of our time? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the world needs a strong and consistent voice in the fight against climate change – and China may just be ready to take on that role.
- newscientist.com | Why the climate crown is ready for China to take – if it wants to
