China Sets First Emission Cut Target, Xi Leads Climate Push

In a historic move that could reshape global climate diplomacy, China—the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases—has announced its first-ever absolute targets for cutting planet-warming emissions. The announcement, delivered by President Xi Jinping via video message to a United Nations high-level climate summit, marks a significant shift in China’s climate strategy and sends a strong signal about the nation’s intent to lead in the global fight against climate change.

China’s New Climate Goal: 7–10% Reduction by 2035

President Xi Jinping declared that China will reduce its economy-wide emissions by 7–10 percent by 2035, measured against the country’s projected peak emissions year, believed to be 2025. This is the first time China has set an absolute numerical reduction target, moving beyond earlier commitments that only focused on peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

Xi emphasized, “Green and low-carbon transition is the trend of our time. While some country is acting against it, the international community should stay focused in the right direction.”

China is responsible for almost 30–31 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, making its climate policies pivotal to global warming outcomes.

The Significance of China’s Pledge

Though some experts consider the 7–10% target modest, China has a history of setting conservative targets while over-delivering. The country’s green technology boom, particularly in solar, wind, and electric vehicles, suggests it may surpass its commitments.

Xi’s pledge is backed by concrete steps, including:

Increasing wind and solar power capacity by more than six times compared to 2020 levels.
Expanding the share of non-fossil fuels to more than 30% of domestic energy consumption.
Establishing electric and pollution-free vehicles as the mainstream mode of transport.
Launching large-scale afforestation projects to expand carbon sinks.
Building what Xi called a “climate-adaptive society.”

These measures reflect not only China’s determination to curb emissions but also its aim to position itself as a green technology superpower, especially as other major players show hesitation.

A Stark Contrast with the United States

Xi’s remarks included a thinly veiled criticism of the United States. Just a day earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had dismissed climate change as a “con job” during his speech at the UN General Assembly, while simultaneously attacking renewable energy initiatives in Europe and China.

Trump also ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Agreement—for the second time—reversing progress toward the landmark 2015 accord, which sought to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Xi countered: “Despite some countries going against the trend, the international community should stay on the right track, maintain unwavering confidence, unwavering action, and undiminished efforts.”

International Reactions: Praise, Skepticism, and Warnings

The global response to China’s announcement has been mixed.

Li Shuo, Director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society, described it as a “cautious step that favors steadiness and delivery over ambition.” He added, “The good news is that in a world increasingly driven by self-interest, China may be better positioned than most to advance climate action.”
Teresa Anderson, Global Lead on Climate Justice at ActionAid International, criticized wealthy nations like the EU for their “lowball statements of intent”, stressing that “rich polluting countries… must go much further in practice.”
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who will host the upcoming COP30 summit in Belém, warned, “No one is safe from the effect of climate change. Walls at borders will not stop droughts or storms. Nature does not bow down to bombs or warships. No country stands above another.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres struck a careful balance between alarm and optimism. While acknowledging that the chances of limiting warming to 1.5°C are on the verge of collapsing, he also noted progress: “In the last 10 years, projected global temperature rise has dropped from four degrees Celsius to less than three.”
Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the devastating reality his country faces: “As I speak to you, my country is reeling from intense monsoon rains, flash floods, mudslides and devastating urban flooding. We are facing this calamity at a time when the scars of the 2022 floods… are still visible across our land.”

Global Comparisons: Who Is Doing What?

China’s new pledge stands alongside a patchwork of climate commitments from other nations:

European Union: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that emissions are down nearly 40% since 1940. The EU aims for a 55% reduction by 2030 and a 66–72% cut by 2035.
Brazil: Committed to cutting emissions by 59–67% by 2035 and intensifying anti-deforestation efforts.
Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a 62–70% reduction below 2005 levels by 2035 and said, “We want to bring the world with us on climate change… by seizing and sharing opportunities.”
Palau, representing the Alliance of Small Island States, pledged to cut emissions to 44% of 2015 levels by 2035, while urging major economies to do far more.

Meanwhile, the United States, historically the largest emitter and currently the second biggest after China, continues to backtrack on climate commitments under Trump’s leadership.

Why the Pledge Matters Now

China’s decision to announce its targets ahead of COP30 in Brazil underscores its intent to remain engaged in the international climate process, especially as many countries, including members of the EU, fall behind schedule.

The 2015 Paris Agreement requires nations to strengthen their targets every five years. However, many wealthy countries are struggling with political and economic pressures. France, for instance, faces financial instability and political turmoil, which hampers its ability to commit to deeper decarbonization.

By stepping up now, Beijing positions itself not only as a leader in climate governance but also as a counterbalance to U.S. retreat from global commitments.

The Larger Picture: Catastrophe or Hope?

The climate crisis is already unfolding. From wildfires in Spain to floods in Pakistan, extreme weather events are intensifying worldwide. Global temperatures have already risen about 1.3–1.4°C above pre-industrial levels, leaving only a narrow margin before crossing the 1.5°C threshold scientists warn is critical.

Still, progress has been made. China’s rapid expansion of renewable energy, exports of solar panels, and production of electric vehicles are helping reduce emissions both domestically and abroad. A decade ago, coal made up three-quarters of China’s electricity mix—today, that figure has dropped to about half.

As Guterres put it: “The Paris Agreement has made a difference. Now, we need new plans for 2035 that go much further, much faster.”

A Turning Point in Global Climate Action

China’s new emission reduction target represents both a cautious step and a bold signal. While the 7–10% cut by 2035 may not be ambitious enough to guarantee the 1.5°C goal, it sets the stage for further progress and keeps momentum alive in international climate negotiations.

Xi Jinping’s declaration that “green and low-carbon transformation is the trend of our times” underscores China’s recognition that its economic future lies in renewable energy, not fossil fuels. In contrast to the United States’ retreat under Trump, Beijing’s move could redefine its role as the central driver of the global green transition.

As the world looks ahead to COP30 in Brazil, the urgency is clear. Leaders will need to translate promises into action, strengthen their targets, and respond to the warnings of science. The stakes are existential, and the path forward will determine whether catastrophe or hope defines the decades to come.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies