US climate envoy John Kerry has stressed the critical need for China and the United States to make substantial advancements in addressing climate change in the four months leading up to the UN-sponsored climate talks in Dubai. Kerry’s call for action comes as extreme heatwaves and heavy rainfall impact various regions worldwide, including severe heat warnings in Italy, Greece, and the United States. Furthermore, floods have claimed lives in South Korea, the northeastern US, and India, prompting evacuations. Even China has experienced record-breaking heat and extreme weather events. Against this backdrop, Kerry emphasized the importance of collaboration between China and the US to mitigate methane emissions and reduce the climate impact of coal-fired power.
Rebuilding trust between the top two greenhouse gas emitters
Kerry’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, in Beijing aimed to rebuild trust and resume climate discussions after talks were suspended last year. The resumption of high-level climate diplomacy between the world’s top two emitters holds significance in stabilizing the broader bilateral relationship between the US and China. Both envoys acknowledged the potential role of climate diplomacy in improving tense relations between the two countries. Despite previous tensions, Kerry and Xie have established a strong partnership, meeting 53 times since their appointment as special envoys.
Urgent action is required to address shared risks and threats
During the meeting, Kerry highlighted the urgency of taking immediate action to address the escalating risks and threats posed by climate change. He emphasized that extreme weather events, such as floods, storms, and wildfires, are occurring with greater frequency and intensity, endangering lives and ecosystems globally. Kerry emphasized that the adverse impacts of climate change are detrimental to both Chinese and American citizens, as well as people worldwide. Stressing the need for collaboration, he called on China to partner with the US in cutting methane emissions and reducing the reliance on coal power.
Focus on abating non-CO2 emissions and COP28 preparation
The discussions between Kerry and Xie were expected to center on the abatement of non-CO2 emissions, particularly methane, and preparations for the upcoming COP28 global climate talks scheduled to commence in November. Both envoys recognized the importance of addressing non-CO2 emissions in addition to reducing carbon dioxide. The talks also sought to address China’s reliance on coal, as Kerry acknowledged China’s commendable efforts in renewable energy capacity building but expressed concern about the construction of new coal power plants. China has pledged to reduce coal consumption, but not until 2026, while new coal power projects have increased in recent times.
Contentions and Challenges in the US-China Relationship
Despite the amicable relations between Kerry and Xie, underlying tensions between the US and China pose potential challenges to progress this week. The suspension of talks last year following a visit by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, a country that China claims as its own, created a strain in the relationship. Moreover, China has accused the US of unfair criticism regarding its climate record while falling short of its own climate finance commitments to support developing countries. China also asserts that it remains a developing country with historical emissions significantly lower than those of the US. Addressing these contentions, particularly the burden of emission reduction on developing countries is likely to be a point of contention in the discussions.
Uncertainty amid complicated US domestic politics
Looking ahead, uncertainties remain in the US-China relationship due to complex domestic politics, including the anticipation of the next presidential election. The evolving political landscape in the US could impact climate diplomacy and the country’s climate commitments. Despite the challenges, Kerry and Xie’s strong partnership and mutual trust provide a foundation for cooperation. However, as Zhang Haibin, Associate Dean at the School of International Studies at Peking University, notes, there is a need to navigate the future with caution due to the unpredictability surrounding US domestic politics.
In conclusion, the meeting between US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua represents a crucial opportunity for the world’s top two greenhouse gas emitters to address urgent climate issues. Their discussions focused on the need for immediate progress in reducing emissions, mitigating the impact of coal-fired power, and collaborating on abating non-CO2 emissions. While challenges and contentions remain in the US-China relationship, the resumption of high-level climate diplomacy is a positive step toward addressing climate change and strengthening bilateral ties. The urgency to act is underscored by the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, affecting countries worldwide.
