China and the US pledge to step up climate efforts ahead of Biden-Xi summit and UN meeting

China and the United States have jointly committed to intensify their efforts in combating climate change ahead of a significant United Nations summit focused on this pressing issue. Their commitment extends beyond reducing carbon dioxide emissions and encompasses a concerted effort to curtail the release of methane and other greenhouse gases.

This declaration was made in anticipation of a crucial summit between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, with the primary objective of stabilizing the often turbulent U.S.-China relationship. Recognizing the pivotal role they play as the world’s two largest greenhouse gas emitters, both nations acknowledge the urgency of collaborating to confront one of the paramount challenges of our era.

This collaborative stance is particularly vital as the U.N. climate talks are scheduled to commence in Dubai in just two weeks. Earlier in the year, doubts loomed over the possibility of cooperation between these two governments due to deteriorating relations on various fronts, including technology, Taiwan, and the conflict in Ukraine.

In a joint statement released from Beijing and Washington, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the goals set by the Group of 20 nations, of which they are members. They are resolved to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, underlining their commitment to a sustainable energy future.

Furthermore, China and the U.S. have agreed to reinitiate discussions on energy policies and establish a working group dedicated to advancing climate action during what they deem as the “critical decade of the 2020s.” Experts emphasize the urgency of immediate action if there is to be any hope of achieving the mutually agreed-upon target of limiting global temperature increases to well below 2 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit).

One noteworthy development is the inclusion of methane in both countries’ forthcoming climate action plans. This decision has been hailed as a significant stride forward by climate experts. China, in particular, stands out as the world’s largest emitter of methane, and concerted efforts to curb its release are deemed essential in the short term to combat global warming effectively.

Additionally, the United States, China, and the United Arab Emirates have announced their intention to host a meeting focusing on methane and other greenhouse gases during the forthcoming Dubai talks. This marks a collaborative effort to address a critical aspect of climate change mitigation.

The Chinese government has taken a proactive stance by issuing an action plan aimed at controlling methane emissions. This plan encompasses the development of a comprehensive accounting and reporting system for emissions. Major sources of methane emissions include coal mines, oil and gas fields, agricultural activities, landfills, and sewage treatment plants.

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More about Climate Cooperation

• Joint U.S.-China Announcement on Climate Change
• UN Climate Talks in Dubai
• Group of 20 (G20)
• Methane Emissions in China
• China’s Action Plan to Control Methane Emissions