Ready for a climate story that’s both epic and helpful? 🌱 At the United Nations Climate Summit, President Xi Jinping unveiled China’s game-changing targets for 2035: cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 7–10% from their peak and ramp up clean energy and forests like never before.
Why it matters: This pledge goes beyond China’s earlier goals to peak emissions by 2030 and hit carbon neutrality by 2060. It shows a fresh push to balance ambition with realism, inspired by the ancient idea of harmony between humans and nature. Think Confucius vibes guiding modern eco-action! 🍃
Key moves on deck:
- Boost non-fossil fuels to over 30% of the energy mix 🔋⚡️
- Grow forest stock to more than 24 billion m³ of green lungs 🌳
- Make electric vehicles the stars of new car sales 🚗🔌
- Expand the national carbon market to major emitters 🌐
China’s playbook, known as 'establish before abolish,' means building up clean energy first—no crashing the economy, just a smooth shift away from coal. It’s clear in the Belt and Road Initiative, where the Chinese mainland has stopped funding new coal projects and pushes green development instead.
The strategy fits the Paris Agreement goals to keep global warming well below 2 °C, ideally 1.5 °C. By late 2024, China’s renewable capacity hit a whopping 1.88 billion kW, driving global wind and solar costs down over 60% and 80%. Talk about influence! ⚡️🌍
The Chinese premier Li Qiang, speaking a day before, highlighted China’s complete new energy industrial chain and the motto 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.' It’s all about proving that economic growth and environmental protection can be besties, not enemies. 🤝
China also champions the 'community of life for mankind and nature' and 'common but differentiated responsibilities,' calling for fair climate action that fits each country’s capacity. It’s backing up words with action: a climate fund for developing nations, training for 120+ countries, and low-carbon projects from Kunming to Montreal.
In short, China’s 2035 climate roadmap is a bold mix of tradition, tech, and teamwork—aiming for a greener, resilient world. Are you ready to ride this wave? 🚀🌱
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
