Global climate action: Advancing energy transition and climate justice

"We are the first generation with the tools to end the fossil fuel age – and the last who can avert climate catastrophe," United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres delivered the warning on Wednesday, calling on countries to develop credible roadmaps with clear timelines to transition away from fossil fuels.

He made the remarks during the UN General Assembly's high-level week in New York, where the UN Climate Summit 2026 brought together leaders from major economies, climate-vulnerable countries, and key energy-producing and energy-consuming countries to accelerate climate action and strengthen international cooperation.

Renewable energy surging, yet gap remaining

Global renewable energy is making breakthrough progress. The International Renewable Energy Agency reported on Monday that a record 693 gigawatts of new renewable capacity was added globally in 2025, bringing total installed capacity to 5.15 terawatts and helping save nearly $500 billion in fossil fuel costs.

However, the pace of progress remains insufficient to meet the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement.

The UN Environment Program (UNEP) estimated that, even if countries fully implement their Nationally Determined Contributions, global temperatures could still rise by 2.3 degrees Celsius to 2.5 degrees Celsius this century, well above the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees Celsius limit.

"While national climate plans have delivered some progress, it is nowhere near fast enough," UNEP's Executive Director Inger Andersen said in a statement.

Changing climate policies

Climate policies are diverging among major economies.

In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency has rolled back several federal greenhouse gas regulations, including the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding and emissions limits for power plants. Meanwhile, states such as California continue to pursue 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035.

In Europe, the European Union remains committed to decarbonization while seeking to balance climate goals with industrial competitiveness. The European Commission has proposed adjusting the implementation of its 2035 vehicle emissions target by replacing the 100% zero-emission mandate with a 90% tailpipe reduction target.

Across the Asia-Pacific region, economies are exploring new mechanisms on energy transition cooperation. At the latest Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting, economies agreed to work toward an Asia-Pacific energy community to enhance energy security, promote innovation and deliver shared benefits.

China's clean-energy transition

As a committed contributor to global climate governance, China has steadily expanded its renewable energy sector in recent years.

By the end of July, China's installed solar-power capacity reached 1.286 billion kilowatts, surpassing coal-power capacity for the first time to become the country's largest power source.

China is also expanding its national carbon market, which has evolved into the world's largest carbon market in terms of total greenhouse gas emissions traded.

Its large-scale production of solar modules, wind equipment, batteries and other clean-energy technologies has also helped expand global renewable-energy supply and reduce technology costs.

In 2025, China's green trade import and export volume reached over $802 billion, accounting for 14.68% of the world's total green trade, ranking first worldwide in terms of trade volume. Energy-saving, carbon-reduction and clean-energy products accounted for 82.35% of China's green product exports, according to a recent report on China's green trade development.

"Through innovation, manufacturing and investment, China has helped transform the global clean energy landscape to make clean energy technologies more affordable around the world," said Selwin Hart, special adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition.

International cooperation essential

Climate change is a global challenge that requires international cooperation.

At COP30 in 2025, the Global Climate Action Agenda set out 117 concrete action initiatives across six major areas, including energy, ecosystems and agriculture, aimed at enhancing climate resilience for both human societies and the natural environment.

COP31, to be held in Antalya, Türkiye from November 9 to 20, will continue efforts to advance global climate cooperation. Türkiye, as the host country, has proposed a new electrification target, which is to raise electricity's share of global final energy consumption from current 20% to 35% by 2035.