Ahead of COP28, China's serious and careful attitude toward honoring its climate pledge

Editor's note: Masuda Khatun, a special commentator for CGTN, is an international affairs analyst and freelance columnist. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. 

From November 30 to December 12, the UAE will host COP28 to review the progress on measures decided upon at COP27 and the pledges made by the participating countries to address climate change. All countries are now affected by climate change, which in turn disrupts global growth.

To mitigate climate disasters, several countries have made a point of promoting practical climate cooperation. Pre-COP28 attendees have already agreed to keep global average temperatures from increasing by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. Main areas of focus for international cooperation and agreement – renewable energy growth, energy efficiency, green financing, and emissions reduction – are beginning to take shape as the world prepares for COP28. The top priority is in terms of green innovation, loss and damage, adaptation, mitigation, and climate financing. The nations' willingness to uphold commitments and engage in productive discussions on important climate issues will signal the possibility of major progress at COP28.

China just made a climate promise that has garnered excellent reception ahead of COP28. Through a variety of programs, including national plans and strategies, teamwork, and climate partnerships, as well as climate diplomacy through bilateral and international frameworks, China also significantly contributes to the mitigation of climate calamities. China sees this conference as a platform to embrace a distinct and realistic response to climate change. It is preparing for COP28 by increasing its environmental footprint, working with developing nations on climate change and forming partnerships with developed countries. Chinese climate pragmatism includes, among other things, continuing the green revolution, growing the NEV market, reaching its carbon peak before 2030, and attaining carbon neutrality by 2060, all of which are in accordance with the COP28 targets. China is committed to putting ideas into practice. Ding Xuexiang, the vice premier of China and special representative of President Xi Jinping, will attend COP28 in an effort to strengthen China's climate diplomacy with other countries.

Three weeks prior to the COP28, on November 4-7 in Sunnylands, California, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and China's Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua committed to working together to combat climate change and achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement. One of the main subjects of discussion during the Xi-Biden summit in San Francisco is climate cooperation. Their cooperation is essential to the worldwide effort to combat climate change. In an announcement to strengthen climate cooperation, China and the U.S. promised to form a Working Group on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s. Through this, they will discuss issues such as deforestation, low-carbon and sustainable provinces, methane, energy transition, and the circular economy.

With the UAE, the U.S. and China have invited nations to a summit on methane and non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases as part of their commitment to collaborate in addressing the climate catastrophe. China's cooperation with the U.S. and its pledge to cut methane emissions are considered positive steps toward an impending climate accord. The 2015 Paris Climate Accord's objectives to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels were also reiterated by both parties. Prior to COP28, a united commitment sends a good message. The developed nations' collaboration with China at the summit will also help meet the developing countries' aspirations for their climate targets. Together, they can have a productive multilateral dialogue in Dubai that will result in concrete steps and advancements. China is always willing to cooperate on climate change with any other nation. Indeed, one of the top agendas in China's bilateral diplomacy is climate action. Based on shared responsibilities and respective capacities, China commits to upholding multilateralism, actively participating in global climate change governance, and enhancing South-South cooperation with developing countries.

COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber visited China twice this year, where he had one-on-one discussions with many Chinese officials. He commended China for taking the lead in advancing the green transition and renewable energy. Aiming for historic outcomes, he praised China's "overwhelming support" and underlined its participation in the COP process. The UAE and China are collaborating to accelerate the energy transition ahead of COP28, focusing on low-carbon, sustainable development and prosperity.

China issued product carbon guidelines on November 22 in an effort to meet its climate targets. With the release of draft rules and guidelines for its voluntary carbon market, China is reintegrating its carbon targets into its economic growth. The recommendations describe carbon reduction initiatives in sixteen sectors, including carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency improvements, and renewable energy. China is cutting its carbon emissions and boosting renewable energy usage continuously. China plans to have a capacity of 1,200 gigawatts (GW) of solar and wind energy by 2030. China will become more environmentally friendly with the support of its 14th Five-Year Plan, which set goals for renewable energy development and modern energy systems. On November 24, China released a 10-year action plan for BRI, focusing on green digital development, and a sustainable supply chain.

China is taking its climate promise seriously and cautiously, as shown by its collaboration with the U.S. on climate action, its unwavering support and commitment to the host UAE, and the improvement of its carbon trading regulation, green finance, and green investment under the BRI framework. Now, to mitigate the effects of climate change and make the transition to a sustainable future, coordinated measures from all countries – especially the biggest emitters attending COP28 – are essential.

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