3600GW! China Unveils New Climate Commitments and Proposals at UN Summit

PVTIME – At the United Nations Climate Change Summit on 24 September, China announced a new round of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), setting out key targets for 2035.

By 2035, China’s net greenhouse gas emissions across its entire economy are expected to fall by between 7% and 10% from their peak, although efforts are being made to achieve an even better outcome. Other targets include ensuring that non-fossil energy accounts for more than 30% of total energy consumption, achieving a total installed wind and solar power capacity that is more than six times higher than in 2020 (with a target of 3600 GW), increasing forest stock volume to more than 24 billion cubic metres, ensuring that new energy vehicles account for the majority of newly sold vehicles, establishing a national carbon emissions trading market that covers major high-emission industries, and laying the foundations for a climate-resilient society.

Meeting these targets will require strenuous efforts within China, as well as a favourable and open international environment.

With global climate governance entering a critical stage, China has also put forward three proposals.

First, maintain confidence. The transition to green and low-carbon development is an unstoppable trend. While a small number of countries are acting against this trend, the international community must remain committed to the right direction, maintain confidence and continue to take action to advance the formulation and implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions, thereby injecting more positive energy into global climate governance cooperation.

Secondly, fulfil your responsibilities with commitment. The global green transition should be fair and just, respect the right to development of developing countries and reduce the North-South gap. All countries should adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Developed countries should fulfil their obligations by taking the lead in reducing emissions and providing more financial and technological support to developing countries.

Thirdly, cooperation must be strengthened. Currently, there is huge global demand for green development. Countries should strengthen international collaboration on green technologies and industries, work to fill the green capacity gap and ensure the free global circulation of high-quality green products. This will ensure that green development benefits every part of the world.