New York, U.S. – China on Wednesday announced new climate commitments, pledging for the first time to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7P.c–10P.c from peak levels by 2035 and expand wind and solar capacity sixfold from 2020 levels.
President Xi Jinping, speaking virtually at a climate leaders’ summit hosted by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, framed the plan as part of China’s broader push to raise the share of non-fossil fuels in its energy mix to over 30P.c.
While many observers had anticipated a bolder target, at least 30P.c reductions, Xi used the moment to issue a veiled rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump, who just a day earlier dismissed climate change as a “con job” in his U.N. General Assembly address.
“Green and low-carbon transformation is the trend of our times. Despite some countries going against the trend, the international community should stay on the right track, maintain unwavering confidence, unwavering action, and undiminished efforts,” Xi said.
Trump Sparks Global Backlash
On Tuesday, Trump doubled down on climate denial, calling scientists “stupid” and ordering a fresh U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. The U.S., historically the largest emitter, is now the second-biggest polluter behind China.
Political analyst Ian Bremmer argued that Trump’s stance had effectively handed the future of post-carbon energy markets to Beijing. “Trump wants fossil fuels, and the United States is indeed a powerful petro-state. But letting China become the world’s sole powerful electro-state is the opposite of making America great again,” he said.
Tepid Pledges, Rising Warnings
Environmental groups described China’s target as underwhelming, despite its dominance in renewable energy and electric vehicle production. Li Shuo of the Asia Society noted Beijing was sticking to its tradition of “cautious, steady” commitments, while hinting at deeper economic transformations already underway.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned that failure to match science-based targets ahead of November’s COP30 in Brazil would breed public distrust. “Society is going to stop believing its leaders. And all of us will lose because denialism may actually win,” he cautioned.
Mixed Global Commitments
Brazil: Pledged 59P.c–67P.c cuts by 2035, with intensified anti-deforestation measures.
European Union: On track to reduce emissions 55P.c by 2030; drafting 2035 goals between 66P.c–72P.c.
Australia: Announced plans to cut emissions 62P.c–70P.c below 2005 levels by 2035.
Palau (on behalf of small island states): Set a 44P.c cut by 2035, invoking the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on countries’ obligations to act.
Guterres Calls for Urgency
Despite slow progress, Guterres credited the Paris Agreement with reducing projected global temperature rise from 4°C to 2.6°C, though the world remains far from the 1.5°C goal. “Now, we need new plans for 2035 that go much further, much faster,” he said.
As the geopolitical rift widens, with Washington retreating and Beijing cautiously advancing, COP30 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the future of global climate leadership.
