Turning the Tide: China Sets First Absolute Emissions Cut Target by 2035

 

In a landmark shift, China—the world’s largest carbon emitter—has announced its first absolute climate goal, pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10 percent by 2035. The announcement was made by President Xi Jinping via video at the United Nations Climate Summit in New York, signaling a new phase in China’s environmental strategy.

 

Key Highlights of the Climate Pledge

 

China commits to cutting economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10 percent from peak levels by 2035

 

The pledge includes all greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide

 

This marks China’s first absolute emissions reduction target under the Paris Agreement

 

Complementary Green Initiatives

 

Wind and solar capacity to be expanded sixfold from 2020 levels, reaching 3,600 gigawatts

 

Non-fossil fuels to comprise over 30 percent of total energy consumption

 

Electric vehicles to become mainstream in new sales

 

Forest cover to increase to over 24 billion cubic meters

 

National carbon trading scheme to be extended to high-emission sectors

 

China aims to build a climate-adaptive society

 

Global Reactions and Implications

 

Environmental experts have called the target modest, noting that a 30 percent cut is needed to align with the 1.5°C global warming limit

 

Despite criticism, analysts believe China may exceed its stated goals due to its rapid clean-tech expansion

 

The pledge arrives ahead of COP30 in Brazil, where nations will finalize their updated climate commitments

 

Sources: MSN News, CBC, Carbon Brief, PBS NewsHour.