EU Climate Chief Urges China to Boost Financial Commitment at COP30: What This Means for Global Climate Action

China is being urged to step up its contributions to global climate finance as its economy grows. Recently, EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra spoke about this at an event covered by Euractiv. In 2024, the EU is set to contribute over €30 billion to global climate efforts, making it the biggest donor. In contrast, China, the world’s second-largest economy, has mainly offered bilateral support and hasn’t made a significant global commitment.

Developing countries are calling for increased support, asking for €1.3 trillion, up from €100 billion in past years. Hoekstra highlighted that the United Nations classifies China as an upper-middle-income country. He acknowledged China’s impressive economic growth, stating, “They have done an amazing job in terms of creating affluence.”

With this newfound wealth, countries like China and others in the Gulf region are encouraged to contribute more significantly to climate solutions. Hoekstra noted that Europe can’t shoulder this burden alone.

The EU has frequently urged China to move beyond its 1990s classification as a developing country and align with global climate financing expectations. The exit of the US from the Paris Agreement has had a notable impact, particularly as China’s share of global emissions is around 30%, while the US is at 11.5%.

At the New York Climate Summit in September, China promised to cut emissions by 7% to 10% by 2035 from peak levels. However, this commitment was met with criticism from Hoekstra, who called the figures “disappointing.” He warned that a target below 10% would have significant implications, not just for China but for global climate action as a whole.

Recent research shows that developed countries may need to contribute more than $1 trillion per year by 2030 to meet climate goals. This reality underscores the urgency for all nations, particularly wealthier ones, to enhance their commitments. The road to effective climate action is collaborative, and every contribution counts.

For more insights, you can explore the EU’s climate strategies on the Council of the European Union’s website.

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