BEIJING, Jan. 16 — China has never ceased its efforts toward green development, and its commitment to promoting a global low-carbon transition remains unwavering, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on China's role in global governance on climate change in recent years.
According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China has submitted two reports to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, detailing its climate actions and progress. These documents — the first biennial transparency report on climate change and the fourth biennial update report — were submitted as scheduled at the end of 2024.
Noting that climate change is a major global challenge, Guo said China has always attached great importance to addressing climate change and is one of the initial parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as one of the earliest signatories and ratifiers of the Paris Agreement.
He added that the reports demonstrate professionalism and transparency in information sharing, presenting a multidimensional view of China's climate governance policies, achievements, and experience.
"Behind these reports lie China's determination and actions in actively responding to climate change and engaging in global climate governance," Guo said.
The reports indicate that, in 2021, China's carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP decreased by 50.9 percent compared to 2005, the base year for the country's climate contributions. Public data shows that by the end of 2023, the country's installed capacity for renewable energy generation surpassed that of fossil fuel power. In 2023 alone, China's export of wind and photovoltaic products helped reduce carbon emissions by 810 million tonnes in recipient countries, Guo explained.
Addressing climate change requires a collective response from all countries, the spokesperson said, adding that China is willing to work with all parties to uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, adhere to true multilateralism, and safeguard the shared blue planet through green development.
Brief
On Jan. 16, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated that China's commitment to promoting global low-carbon transition remains unwavering. The reports submitted by China demonstrate professionalism and transparency in information sharing, presenting a multidimensional view of China's climate governance policies, achievements, and experience.
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Purpose
China’s commitment to promoting a global low-carbon transition remains unwavering, as stated by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. This statement highlights Beijing’s continued efforts toward green development and its dedication to addressing climate change. The country has made significant strides in reducing carbon emissions per unit of GDP, surpassing the base year for climate contributions.
Effects on Industry
The submission of China’s biennial transparency report on climate change and fourth biennial update report demonstrate professionalism and transparency in information sharing, showcasing a multidimensional view of the country’s climate governance policies. This move is likely to influence industries reliant on renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which have seen significant growth in China. The nation’s installed capacity for renewable energy generation has surpassed that of fossil fuel power, indicating a shift toward cleaner energy sources.
Relevant Stakeholders
The reports submitted by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment detail China’s climate actions and progress, affecting global stakeholders involved in climate governance. These include countries signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, as well as international organizations focused on environmental protection. The data presented demonstrates China’s willingness to engage with the global community in addressing climate change.
Next Steps
As a major global challenge, climate change demands collective response from all countries. Guo Jiakun emphasized China’s commitment to working with other nations to uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and adhere to true multilateralism. This indicates that Beijing is willing to collaborate on global initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change.
Any Other Relevant Information
China’s actions in promoting green development demonstrate its dedication to addressing a pressing global issue. By reducing carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 50.9 percent compared to the base year for climate contributions, the country has made significant strides toward sustainability. The export of wind and photovoltaic products has helped reduce carbon emissions by 810 million tonnes in recipient countries, further underscoring China’s commitment to a low-carbon transition.
