New York: China and United States again has different of opinions, with President Doland Trump, at United Nations General Assembly, called climate science “greatest con job ever”, a day after his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping vows to take necessary steps at the UN Climate Summit, committing a 7 percent to 10 percent reduction in economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 from peak levels. Additionally, Jinping had announced ambitious new Nationally Determined Contributions at the Climate Summit. The Chinese President’s announcement has seen as a bold counterpoint to Trump’s dismissal of the matter.

What Did Xi Jinping Say?

In a virtual address, Jinping talked about a comprehensive green transition plan, emphasising in low-carbon development despite resistance from around the world.

“Green and low-carbon transition is the trend of our time. While some countries are acting against it, the international community should stay focused on the right direction, remain unwavering in confidence, unremitting in actions and unrelenting in intensity, and push for formulation and delivery of NDCs, with a view to providing more positive energy to the cooperation on global climate governance,” Xi stated.

How Xi Jinping’s Remark Is a Subtle Jibe At Trump’s Sharp Critique Of Climate Science?

Jinping’s remark is seen as a subtle jab at Trump’s strong criticism of climate science during his speech. In his speech, he characterised global initiatives to address the problem as misdirected. He also termed climate change as a “fake energy catastrophe”.

Meanwhile, the pledge by the Chinese President includes boosting the share of non-fossil fuels in total energy consumption to over 30 per cent, expanding wind and solar power capacity to more than six times 2020 levels, aiming for 3,600 gigawatts, and scaling up forest stock to over 24 billion cubic meters.

Additional measures encompass making new energy vehicles the mainstream in new car sales, extending the National Carbon Emissions Trading Market to major high-emission sectors, and establishing a climate-adaptive society. Xi Jinping also stressed the principles of fairness and equity in global efforts, urging developed nations to lead emission reductions and provide financial and technological support to developing countries. “In the course of global green transition, fairness and equity should be upheld and the right to development of developing countries fully respected. The transition should serve to narrow rather than widen the North-South gap,” he said, invoking the “common but differentiated responsibilities” framework.

HIGHLIGHTS

• At the UN General Assembly, Doland Trump dismissed climate science and calle it “greatest con job ever,” while Xi Jinping pledged a 7–10% reduction in China’s net greenhouse gas emissions.
• Xi Jinping talked about a comprehensive green transition plan.
• China’s pledges include boosting non-fossil fuels to 30% of energy use, expanding wind and solar to 3,600 GW.
• Xi emphasised fairness in global climate action.

Xi requested for enhanced global collaboration, highlighting the importance of synchronising efforts in green technologies and industries to address the increasing global demand, ensuring fair access to eco-friendly products.

“It is important that countries strengthen international coordination in green technologies and industries to address the shortfall in green production capacity and ensure the free flow of quality green products globally, so that the benefits of green development can reach all corners of the world,” he added.

Xi’s stand on climate change positions China as a leader in global climate governance. It is also a major contrast to US scepticism. Jinping’s remark also shows Beijing’s intent to take necessary actions on environmental challenges.