China Commits to Emission Cuts as Global Climate Talks Intensify

China has made a significant commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions for the first time by setting an absolute target. In a recorded message delivered to the United Nations in New York, President Xi Jinping announced that the country aims to cut emissions by between 7% and 10% by 2035, with a focus on improving its climate efforts. This announcement comes as global discussions on climate change gain urgency, especially with the upcoming COP30 gathering in Belém, Brazil, scheduled for November.

While this pledge marks a crucial step, environmental advocates have expressed disappointment, arguing that it falls short of the targets necessary to meet international climate goals. Yao Zhe, Global Policy Adviser at Greenpeace East Asia, stated, “Even for those with tempered expectations, what’s presented today still falls short.” The backdrop of this announcement includes a concerning trend in which commitments from other major emitters, particularly the United States, appear to be declining.

In a broader context, the UN’s Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of these emission reduction plans to maintain global temperature increases below 1.5 degrees Celsius, a target established in the Paris Agreement. He noted that countries must present climate action plans that encompass their entire economies and all greenhouse gases. “It is essential that we have a drastic reduction of emissions in the next few years if you want to keep the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit alive,” Guterres stressed.

China’s emissions play a pivotal role in the global climate landscape, as the country accounted for over a quarter of global emissions in 2023, amounting to nearly 14 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Although Xi’s announcement is a landmark moment, many analysts argue that the proposed reductions do not align with the substantial cuts required to achieve significant climate progress. According to Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, “Anything less than 30% is definitely not aligned with 1.5 degrees.”

The urgency for action is underscored by a recent report from the Stockholm Environment Institute, which indicated that global governments are planning to produce more than double the amount of fossil fuels in 2030 compared to what is necessary to stay within the safe limits of global warming. Observers remain hopeful, however, due to China’s historical track record of exceeding its climate commitments. For instance, the country surpassed its goal of achieving 1,200 gigawatts of wind and solar power capacity by 2030 six years ahead of schedule.

Strong opinions have emerged regarding the adequacy of China’s targets. Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute, remarked, “The targets should be seen as a floor rather than a ceiling.” He speculated that China’s rapid advancements in clean technology could enable the nation to exceed its current emissions reduction goals.

Despite the commitment to increase renewable energy sources, China continues to heavily rely on coal, the most polluting fossil fuel. Last year, coal-fired electricity generation reached a record high, although initial data for the first half of 2025 indicates a decrease, likely due to rising solar energy production.

There are indications that China’s emissions may be stabilizing, with projections suggesting that levels in 2025 could be lower than in 2024. This latest commitment from China signals a potential turning point in its approach to climate change, marking the beginning of a long-term decarbonization effort after years of rapid emissions growth.

As global leaders prepare for critical discussions at COP30, the spotlight remains on China’s actions and commitments, with many urging that bolder targets could foster greater international collaboration and support.