Beijing is hopeful that the United States will maintain a consistent climate policy and continue cooperation regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election, according to a Chinese official. The collaboration between the two countries in terms of climate policy has been expanding since Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden met in San Francisco almost a year ago.
The US election on November 5 could potentially result in the return of climate skeptic Donald Trump as president, which raises questions about the future of climate cooperation between the two nations. Xia Yingxian, the director of China’s Department of Climate Change, emphasized the importance of the US maintaining stability and consistency in its climate policies.
Despite being geopolitical rivals, China and the US have managed to establish sustained and in-depth cooperation in the climate field through mechanisms such as the US-China Working Group on Enhancing Climate Action, which was established in January. This cooperation has been particularly significant given the shared status of China and the US as the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases.
In September, US climate envoy John Podesta visited Beijing and discussed plans for a summit with China on reducing methane emissions after meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This demonstrates the ongoing efforts of both countries to address climate change collectively.
Next month, China and the US will participate in the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan along with hundreds of other countries to discuss climate action. China has set ambitious targets to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, showcasing its commitment to combating climate change.
The strong collaboration between China and the US in the climate field highlights the potential for global cooperation on environmental issues, despite political differences. Both countries have recognized the urgency of addressing climate change and have taken significant steps to work together towards a sustainable future.
It is crucial for countries around the world to prioritize climate action and engage in meaningful partnerships to mitigate the impact of climate change. The relationship between China and the US serves as a model for how countries can set aside differences and work together towards a common goal of environmental protection and sustainability. By continuing to strengthen their cooperation, China and the US can lead by example and inspire other nations to take bold climate action.
