In a landmark move, China, the world’s largest carbon-emitting nation, has announced its first-ever goal to cut emissions, pledging a 7% to 10% reduction by 2035. The announcement came from President Xi Jinping during the United Nations’ high-level climate summit in New York.
China currently produces over 31% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making its new pledge a pivotal step in the global fight against climate change. Xi also promised to increase wind and solar power sixfold, expand the use of pollution-free vehicles, and build a climate-adaptive society.
The pledge comes ahead of major international climate negotiations in Brazil scheduled for November. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres convened more than 100 world leaders to present specific measures to reduce reliance on coal, oil, and natural gas.
Despite the momentum, experts warned the pledges remain insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Current commitments put the world on track for 2.6°C warming, dangerously close to triggering irreversible climate damage.
Leaders from vulnerable nations, including the Marshall Islands and Pakistan, issued urgent appeals, describing rising seas, floods, and droughts already devastating their populations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called this decade “decisive” for climate action.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell said China’s pledge sends a clear signal that the future global economy will run on clean energy, stressing that accelerated action will also drive economic growth, jobs, and better health worldwide.
Still, some climate advocates argue Beijing’s goal falls short. Former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, now chair of The Elders, said: “China’s latest climate target is too timid. The country must go further and faster.”
