The President of COP30, Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, has highlighted China’s significant role in addressing climate change, suggesting that the country may be looked to for additional leadership in this area.
This emphasis on China’s potential leadership comes as the global community seeks robust action to combat climate change, particularly in light of the United Nations’ call for China to step up its efforts by setting strong new climate targets.
When asked about China’s potential role as the United States steps back from climate change efforts, Correa do Lago said China has been playing a big part in providing solutions for a significant number of years.
“We have to work harder with China because China has been able to give some fantastic answers to the fight against climate change,” he told reporters in an online news briefing held by the Oxford Climate Journalism Network.
COP30, scheduled for November in Belém, Brazil, is expected to be a pivotal moment for global climate negotiations. The conference aims to deliver transformative outcomes that prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations and strengthen global solidarity against the escalating climate crisis.
Ambassador Corrêa do Lago has also underscored the importance of integrating cities into global climate discussions, as they are on the front lines of climate change impacts and are crucial for implementing local solutions.
China’s investments in clean energy technology have been noted as a positive example of leadership in the fight against climate change.
The UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, has encouraged China to release a strong new nationally determined contribution (NDC) to demonstrate its commitment to reducing emissions and inspire other countries to follow suit.
Overall, China’s role in climate change mitigation is seen as critical, and its leadership could significantly influence global efforts to address this pressing issue.