Within the framework of a climate mini-summit at the United Nations headquarters, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced – through a recorded message – that China will reduce its emissions by 7% to 10% by 2035, a measure that represents its first concrete commitment under the Paris Agreement.
Additionally, China committed to having at least 30% of its energy matrix come from non-fossil sources, reinforcing the development of solar and wind technologies.
Mixed reactions: insufficient progress but encouraging signs
Experts appreciate the gesture, although they warn that it is not enough to keep warming within safe limits.
The announcement was met with expectation and caution. For Yao Zhe of Greenpeace, the goal is still “falling short“, although he trusts that real decarbonization will exceed what was promised on paper.
On the other hand, Ramón Méndez Galain, president of REN21, emphasized that China has the opportunity to turn its renewable leadership into climate leadership.
Guterres: climate action is an obligation and an opportunity
The Secretary-General of the UN defends renewables as a driver of employment, growth, and energy sovereignty.
In his speech, António Guterres emphasized that science and the economy demand urgent climate action. He noted that in 2024, investment in clean energy doubled that in fossil fuels, and that renewables allow us to move away from volatile markets, offering energy security. “Clean is competitive and climate action is imperative,” he stated.
Europe: climate leadership in tension
The European Union, historically a leader in the climate fight, arrived at the summit with a non-binding statement proposing to reduce its emissions by 66.3% to 72.5% by 2035, although without a definitive agreement.
The President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, promised that the plan will be ready before COP30 in Brazil, and reaffirmed the goal of reducing by 90% by 2040. Additionally, she announced that the EU will mobilize up to 300 billion euros to support the global energy transition.
Emerging countries in action: a new climate axis?
China and India are meeting renewable goals earlier than planned, while the U.S. steps back from leadership.
Guterres highlighted that China reached its solar and wind targets for 2030 six years early, and India achieved 50% of its electricity from non-fossil sources five years ahead of schedule.
In contrast, the United States withdrew from climate leadership after the change in administration, creating a geopolitical void that could be filled by committed emerging economies.
NDC: third round of climate commitments
Only half of the countries have submitted their updated plans for 2035.
The summit aimed for the signatory countries of the Paris Agreement to present their New Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), essential to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
However, only 50 countries did so on time. Now, UN technicians will need to assess if the commitments presented align the world with climate goals.
