Global Climate Talks Open in Antalya
The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference opened in Antalya, Türkiye, running through Nov. 20. China Daily reported that Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu addressed a China Pavilion event.
Huang stated that China will advance ecological conservation and climate action while strengthening global climate governance. He detailed domestic milestones, including ultra-low-emission upgrades for coal-fired power units totaling 1.17 billion kilowatts.
Domestic Energy and Emissions Metrics
Crude steel production capacity totaling 1 billion metric tons has undergone ultra-low-emission upgrades, according to China Daily. Installed wind and solar capacity has exceeded 2 billion kilowatts, representing roughly half of the global total.
Photovoltaic power has surpassed coal-fired power to become China’s largest source of installed generating capacity. Over the past five years, the average concentration of PM2.5 particulate matter fell by 20 percent.
Days with heavy air pollution declined by 25 percent. National surface-water sections with fairly good-quality water reached 91.4 percent.
China maintains a five-tier surface water quality system, where Grade III or above is considered suitable for most aquatic life. Forest coverage reached 25.09 percent, with forest stock exceeding 20 billion cubic meters.
Ninety percent of terrestrial ecosystem types and 74 percent of key nationally protected wildlife species are under effective protection, Huang reported.
China Targets Carbon Neutrality Through Multilateralism and Open Trade
China aims to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. The next five years are necessary to achieve these targets and build a beautiful China, Huang said.
“We should protect the environment like we protect our eyes,” Xi Jinping said.
According to Carbon Brief, environment vice-minister Li Gao noted the need to uphold multilateralism and send a clear political signal of unity. China also intends to advocate for an open and efficient trade system that facilitates clean-energy technology adoption.
A director of the China climate hub and climate diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute noted that China’s top priority will be upholding multilateralism amid challenged global cooperation. Officials may use the COP stage to oppose unilateralism and tariffs that inhibit clean technology flows.
Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs founder and director Ma Jun stated that confidence in multilateral climate cooperation needs reaffirmation. Negotiators face tests regarding climate finance delivery, adaptation support, and clean-energy trade barriers.
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