Xi Jinping’s Vision on Climate Action
On September 24, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the United Nations Climate Change Summit via video link, emphasizing the crucial need for global cooperation in tackling climate change. His speech highlighted the significance of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the critical nature of this period for global climate governance.
Key Themes from the Address
President Xi articulated three main themes that are pivotal for fostering international climate cooperation:
1. Confidence in the Green Transition
In his speech, Xi Jinping stressed the importance of maintaining confidence in the global shift towards a green and low-carbon economy. Despite some nations pushing against this trend, he urged the international community to remain steadfast, emphasizing the need to develop and implement nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that contribute positively to global climate governance. This unwavering resolve, he argued, is vital for encouraging sustainable practices across nations.
2. Shared Responsibilities
Xi highlighted the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, advocating for fairness and equity in climate action. He called on developed nations to fulfill their commitments to reduce emissions first and to provide increased financial and technical support to developing countries. This approach aims to bridge the gap between the Global North and South, ensuring that climate action promotes development rather than exacerbating inequality.
3. Deeper International Cooperation
To enhance the effectiveness of climate initiatives, President Xi called for strengthened international collaboration in green technology and industry. This includes filling the green production capacity gap and facilitating the free flow of high-quality green products across borders. Such cooperation is essential to ensure that the benefits of green development are shared universally.
China’s New Commitment to Climate Goals
During his address, Xi announced China’s new round of NDCs, aiming to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 7% to 10% from peak levels by 2035. Additionally, he set ambitious targets, including:
- Increasing the share of non-fossil energy consumption to over 30% of total energy consumption.
- Expanding the installed capacity of wind and solar power to six times that of 2020, targeting 360 million kilowatts.
- Reaching a forest stock of over 24 billion cubic meters.
- Positioning new energy vehicles as the mainstream of new vehicle sales.
- Covering major high-emission industries in the national carbon trading market.
These ambitious goals reflect China’s commitment to fulfilling the Paris Agreement’s requirements and highlight the efforts required for achieving climate sustainability.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
President Xi Jinping’s address serves as a strong reminder of the collective efforts needed to combat climate change. He affirmed China’s determination to uphold its commitments and urged all nations to take proactive steps toward achieving a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. The vision he outlined emphasizes the shared responsibility of protecting our planet, reaffirming the role of climate action as a fundamental component of global development agendas.
