COP30 President Anticipates China to Unveil Bold Climate Targets: What It Means for Our Planet

After meetings in Beijing, Andre Correa do Lago, who leads this year’s global climate talks, is optimistic about China’s goals for the upcoming summit. He believes China is preparing “very ambitious” plans, with updates expected in the coming months. These plans, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), will detail climate targets through 2035. This comes after the U.S. withdrew from the climate agreement under President Trump, which left a gap in global efforts to combat climate change.

As Brazil gets ready to host COP30 later this year, Lago will be at the forefront of guiding climate discussions. He emphasizes the need for countries to work together, especially when facing challenges like those posed by Trump’s international trade strategies. “Brazil and China want to defend multilateral systems, whether in trade or climate change,” he shared during a press conference at the Brazilian Embassy in Beijing.

Lago met with Chinese officials from various departments to discuss the ongoing struggle against climate change. Notably, China is currently the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter. Despite making strides with electric vehicles and solar energy, the country has continued to rely on coal for its substantial energy needs. However, recent data shows that coal consumption has slowed and dropped significantly in early 2023, which could indicate a shift toward cleaner energy sources.

Lago acknowledged the difficulties China faces in moving away from coal but also praised its technological advancements in combating climate change. He noted that the energy transition can be economically beneficial, serving as a model for other countries.

“Each country needs to assess its own transition while ensuring economic stability,” Lago explained. “The goal is to speed up this process through new technologies and policies to create positive changes.”

As the world watches, the outcomes of COP30 will be critical, with many hoping for renewed commitments and innovative solutions to tackle climate challenges effectively.



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