In a noteworthy development, following the meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joseph R. Biden in Bali, Indonesia, the United States and China have reiterated their pledge to collaboratively address the global climate crisis.
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and China Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua conducted discussions in Beijing from July 16 to 19, 2023, and further deliberated at Sunnylands, California, from November 4 to 7, 2023.
Key outcomes and commitments arising from these discussions include:
1. Both nations recall and commit to advancing the effective implementation of the April 2021 U.S.-China Joint Statement Addressing the Climate Crisis and the November 2021 U.S.-China Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s.
2. Recognizing the increasing impact of the climate crisis globally, the United States and China express their commitment to implement the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, aligning with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. They aim to limit the global average temperature increase to well below 2 degrees C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees C, considering different national circumstances.
3. Both nations emphasize their commitment to the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, including the Glasgow Climate Pact and the Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan. COP 28 is highlighted as a crucial platform for meaningful responses to the climate crisis.
4. The Working Group on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s is operationalized, focusing on areas such as energy transition, methane reduction, circular economy, and more. The working group aims to exchange information on emissions control measures, share experiences, implement cooperative projects, and evaluate progress.
5. Concrete actions, programs, and projects under the Working Group are set to accelerate, with a particular focus on energy transition, methane reduction, circular economy, subnational cooperation, and forest conservation.
6. Both countries commit to supporting the G20 Leaders Declaration to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. Efforts will be made to accelerate renewable energy deployment and reduce reliance on coal, oil, and gas generation.
7. The U.S.-China Energy Efficiency Forum will be restarted to deepen policy exchanges on energy-saving and carbon-reducing solutions.
8. Bilateral dialogues on energy policies and strategies will resume, facilitating exchanges and track II activities to enhance pragmatic cooperation.
9. Both nations aim to advance at least five large-scale cooperative Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), projects each by 2030.
10. The countries will implement national methane action plans and cooperate on measures to manage nitrous oxide emissions.
11. Cooperation on circular economy and resource efficiency will be fostered through policy dialogues, discussions, and collaborative projects.
12. The U.S. and China express determination to end plastic pollution and work towards developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including marine environments.
13. Subnational cooperation on climate action will be supported, encouraging states, provinces, and cities to actively participate in cooperation programs.
14. Efforts to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030 will be advanced through the effective implementation of regulations and policies banning illegal imports.
15. Both countries will cooperate on policies and measures to enhance synergy in controlling greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.
16. The countries’ 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), will be economy-wide, covering all greenhouse gases, and aligned with the Paris temperature goals.
17. A Methane and Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases Summit at COP 28 is proposed, and both countries anticipate the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement.
18. Both nations are committed to working together to adopt a consensus Global Stocktake decision, reflecting substantial progress, equity, and adherence to the Paris Agreement’s goals.
19. The United States and China commit to supporting the UAE Presidency for the success of COP 28 and express their dedication to further dialogues and collaboration.
