Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the country's nationally determined contributions (NDC) at the U.N. Climate Summit on the 24th (local time). The core is to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7–10% from the peak by 2035 and to expand the share of non-fossil fuels, including renewable energy, to 30% or more. This is the first time China has presented specific figures for its greenhouse gas reduction target.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Xi attended the climate summit held in New York, United States, by video the same day and said, "This year marks the 10th anniversary of China's adoption of the Paris Agreement and is an important year when countries submit new reduction targets."
The main points of China's NDC are: ▲ cutting economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 7–10% from the peak by 2035 ▲ expanding the share of non-fossil fuels in energy consumption to 30% or more ▲ increasing wind and solar power installed capacity to more than six times the 2020 level (a total of 3,600 GW) ▲ expanding forest stock to 24 billion cubic meters or more ▲ fostering new-energy vehicles as the mainstream of new car sales ▲ expanding the national carbon emissions trading market across high-emission industries ▲ basic establishment of a "climate-adaptive society."
This is the first time China has spelled out specific greenhouse gas reduction targets. China accounts for more than 30% of global carbon dioxide emissions, but until now it had only pledged to reach peak emissions before 2030.
Xi said, "This is China's best effort in line with the requirements of the Paris Agreement," adding, "To achieve this, China needs not only its own hard work but also an open and supportive international environment. China is determined and confident that it will fulfill its commitments."
Xi emphasized that "green, low-carbon transition is the trend of the times." He went on, "Even as some countries move against this trend, the international community should not lose its direction and should hold firm to its confidence," indirectly referring to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called U.N.-led carbon reduction policies a "scam."
Stressing fairness and equity in the transition to eco-friendly energy, Xi urged, "The development rights of developing countries must be respected. While leading in fulfilling their obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, developed countries should also provide financial and technological support."
Xi then, apparently mindful of the trade dispute with the United States, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in the eco-friendly sector, saying, "High-quality eco-friendly products should circulate freely around the world. By doing so, the benefits of green development can reach every corner of the world."