In a significant move towards combating climate change, the United States and China have recently reached an agreement on measures to address the global crisis. While the joint statement falls short of committing to the complete end of fossil fuels, it signifies a positive step forward in international cooperation on important environmental issues. As the two largest carbon emitters in the world, the US and China’s collaboration on methane reduction and renewable energy expansion is seen as a positive signal for the upcoming UN climate summit, known as COP28.
The agreement, announced ahead of the meeting between the presidents of both countries in California, focuses on increased cooperation on methane, the support of global efforts to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, and a commitment to meaningful emission reductions in the power sector by 2030. However, the statement is silent on the use of coal and does not explicitly address the phasing out of fossil fuels, a topic of concern for environmental advocates.
The negotiations leading to this joint statement have been ongoing for over a year, as US diplomats worked to find common ground with China after Beijing suspended climate talks following a visit by US Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. The recent three-day negotiations between US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, played a critical role in reaching this agreed position, reaffirming the commitment to triple renewable energy growth and emission reductions that were previously agreed upon at the G20 meeting in India.
While the omission of a reduction in coal use and the ending of fossil fuels is notable, experts emphasize that the focus on methane should not be underestimated. Methane is an extremely potent warming gas in the short term, and its inclusion in the joint statement highlights its importance for global climate action. China, the world’s largest methane emitter, had not been among the signatories of the Global Methane Pledge agreed upon at COP26 in Glasgow. However, the joint statement now commits both countries to include all greenhouse gases, including methane, in their forthcoming national climate plans.
The significance of this announcement cannot be overstated, especially considering China’s role as a major methane emitter. David Waskow from the World Resources Institute remarked that “serious actions to curb this gas is essential for slowing global warming in the near-term.” To further address this issue, the US and China have agreed to jointly host a methane and non-CO2 gas summit at COP28, which will further emphasize their commitment to reducing methane emissions.
The impact of this joint statement extends beyond the US and China. The willingness of these two countries to set aside their differences and work together on climate change sends a positive message to the international community. At a time when divisions between major powers over various geopolitical conflicts persist, the collaboration between the US and China on climate change serves as an example for other nations to follow. This development creates a better atmosphere for the upcoming COP28 in Dubai, where delegates from around the world will convene to address pressing environmental challenges.
While scientists warn that 2023 is set to be the warmest year on record, and political tensions remain high in regions such as Gaza and Ukraine, the US-China joint statement brings a glimmer of hope amidst these challenges. It demonstrates that even adversaries can find common ground to address the urgent needs of the planet. This shift in tone and increased cooperation on climate change makes it harder for other countries to hide behind rivalries and neglect their responsibilities.
As we look ahead to COP28, the joint statement between the US and China serves as a catalyst for further dialogue and action on climate change. It highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to creating a sustainable future. While there is still much work to be done, this agreement sets the stage for meaningful progress in the global fight against climate change and raises hopes for a successful outcome at COP28.
