Editor's note: Thomas O. Falk is a London-based political analyst and commentator. He holds a Master of Arts in international relations from the University of Birmingham and specializes in U.S. affairs. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

On April 22, 40 heads of state and leaders – including Chinese President Xi Jinping participated in an epochal meeting aiming to change the world for the better. 

In his speech, President Biden pledged that his country would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 52 percent below the 2005 record level by 2030. The reduction would double President Obama's pledge of 2015.

The plan runs concurrently with a domestic and a foreign policy overhaul in the U.S., including a large infrastructure package. $2 trillion ought to be allocated towards infrastructure to transform the energy, transportation and housing industries. In terms of foreign policy, Biden is now trying to find a consensus with China and Europe in order to fight the climate crisis sustainably.

The summit is Washington's opportunity to shine after the former Donald Trump administration set back environmental protection by years in favor of its domestic populism, and even though, historically, the U.S. is the largest producer of gases detrimental to the climate.

The U.S. return to environmentalism and international climate protection creates a new dynamic around the globe and the urge for nations to alter their approach while also opening opportunities for unlikely partnerships.

As such, Beijing and Washington had recently agreed to fight the climate crisis in a joint effort, which is a significant step in the right direction, given the otherwise rather tense relationship lately. Both sides are cognizant that climate cannot be protected in unilateral approaches.

It is one reason why President Xi's speech was eagerly awaited. If the crisis is to be combated, it can only work if China and the U.S. lead the effort and overcome their differences for the greater good.

Today we know that such an undertaking will not fail because of China. The aim was to achieve a reduction in coal consumption by 2025, said President Xi. The president also reiterated his promise that China would aim to peak its emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

This ambitious and noble goal, which Xi himself said would require "exceptionally hard efforts," means that China will reach the climax of neutrality faster than many other industrialized nations.

Most importantly, President Xi also asserted that China seeks to work with the global community, including the United States, to meet commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.

His speech made two things quite clear. First, China is well aware of its new role in the world, namely as a world power, and is evidentially ready to contribute and serve as a role model in environmental issues moving forward.

Second, little stands in the way of cooperation on climate between Washington and Beijing. Both sides have displayed a genuine interest to make ambitious energy concessions domestically and are inclined to lead the way in this global and united effort.

These are tremendously positive signs in the geopolitical arena that often does not allow such joint ventures. Perhaps even more important, the collaboration between China and the U.S. might help overcome distrust between both sides that has developed over these past years and thus potentially open up further opportunities to cooperate in other areas.

Of course, none of these pledges today is binding, and over the next few years, it will become clear who keeps what of their promises.

However, the summit's immediate positive effects are evident. It was a showcase of world leaders making their statements about the climate. 

It is also encouraging that there was remarkable agreement among all participants despite geopolitical obstacles.

For these reasons alone, the summit was a success. However, despite all positive signs, questions remain. Ironically, the biggest one as it pertains to the U.S.

The Biden administration's most significant encumbrance is the domestic situation. For the transformation Biden is planning, Congress needs to be on his side, which will be a complex undertaking, particularly in the Senate. Albeit the number of Americans who are now inclined to consider climate change as a threat is increasing, the Republican Party remains widely opposed to wide-ranging efforts.

Should Biden and the Democrats lose the presidency to the Republicans in 2024, it can be assumed that the next president will again withdraw from several of the pledges Biden made today. President Biden is aware of this conundrum, which is why he quickly tries to get things done.

The foundation for this was laid today, together with the international partners.

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