The urgency to combat climate change has brought US climate envoy John Kerry to Beijing for three days of crucial talks with Chinese officials aimed at reviving climate dialogue between the two biggest greenhouse gas emitters in the world.
The discussions seek to address the pressing climate crisis and lay the groundwork for critical COP28 climate talks in Dubai.
Kerry expressed the need to unstick what has been stuck since last August, referring to the suspension of climate talks following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, a territory over which China claims sovereignty.
Rebuilding trust between the two nations is essential to forge a path towards meaningful climate action.
Despite the challenging past year, the recent talks were described as cordial yet frank, with many points of agreement identified.
The focus was on curbing non-CO2 emissions, such as methane, and transitioning away from coal dependence, crucial steps in addressing global warming.
Both sides recognized the need for intensified efforts in the coming months leading up to COP28.
The talks represent a complex rescue operation for the US-China climate dialogue, according to Li Shuo, a senior climate adviser with Greenpeace in Beijing.
He believes that further engagements can unlock greater ambition in reducing coal consumption and methane emissions, ultimately leading to a stronger outcome at COP28.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng emphasized that addressing climate change should be based on mutual respect and a commitment to exchange ideas.
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US-China Climate Talks: A Complex Rescue Mission Amid Escalating Tensions
Tensions between the US and China have risen in various areas, making climate cooperation even more crucial to put relations on a stronger footing.
As heatwaves continue to scorch parts of Europe, Asia, and the US, the talks underscore the immediate need for governments to take drastic action to reduce carbon emissions.
Kerry’s meetings with Chinese officials aim to re-establish a process of cooperation on climate issues.
China, as the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal, has pledged to level off carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060.
However, the US and the European Union urge China to adopt even more ambitious reduction targets.
Northern China, like other regions around the world, has experienced record high temperatures during Kerry’s visit.
The extreme heat threatens crops and prompts authorities to take extraordinary measures, such as opening Cold War-era bomb shelters to provide relief to residents.
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Source: Aljazeera