China announced its first-ever emission reduction target at a U.N. climate summit, galvanizing global leaders to intensify efforts against climate change and escalating extreme weather threats.
The gathering, convened by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ahead of key negotiations in Brazil, drew over 100 heads of state to address surging emissions and escalating extreme weather events.
China, responsible for over 31% of global carbon dioxide output, committed to slashing emissions by 7% to 10% by 2035 from peak levels.
This marks a shift from prior growth-capping pledges, though observers note it falls short of bolder expectations.
Xi Jinping, in a video message, outlined plans to expand wind and solar capacity sixfold from 2020 baselines and prioritize pollution-free vehicles.
These steps aim to elevate non-fossil fuels above 30% of energy use and foster a climate-resilient society.
The European Union echoed the momentum with a provisional target of 66% to 72% emissions cuts, set for formal submission before November talks.
Roughly 100 nations, accounting for two-thirds of worldwide emissions, outlined enhanced strategies to phase down fossil fuels.
Guterres emphasized the urgency, stating science, law, economics, and public demand all mandate swift response.
Xi urged developed nations to lead, noting some veer off course despite the green transformation imperative.
Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, hosting the upcoming conference, asserted no borders shield against climate perils like droughts and storms.
Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine described her nation's repeated floods and droughts as harbingers for all.
Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif highlighted ongoing monsoons compounding 2022's $30 billion deluge that displaced millions.
Australian leader Anthony Albanese termed this a "decisive decade," citing cyclones, fires, and floods as shared burdens.
Johan Rockstrom warned of accelerating warming and irreversible shifts, admitting collective failure in shielding populations.
Katharine Hayhoe linked each warming increment to amplified disasters and lives lost.
Under the Paris Agreement, updated plans due soon project a 2.6-degree Celsius trajectory, far exceeding the 1.5-degree limit as Earth nears 1.3 degrees.
U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell hailed China's move as signaling a clean energy-driven global economy yielding growth and health benefits.
Yet advocates, including former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, pressed for accelerated ambition.
"China’s latest climate target is too timid given the country’s extraordinary record on clean energy," Santos remarked.
These pledges, while progressive, demand rigorous follow-through to avert catastrophe.