Fri Nov 01 11:25:21 UTC 2024: ## China Hopes for US Climate Cooperation Despite Election Uncertainty
**BEIJING, November 1, 2024** – China has expressed hope that the United States will continue to cooperate with other countries on climate change, regardless of the outcome of next week’s presidential election.
The statement comes as the world gears up for the COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, where nations are expected to submit new climate pledges. China’s top climate official, Xia Yingxian, emphasized the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation in addressing the climate crisis.
While China and the US, the world’s top two emitters, have collaborated on key climate agreements like the Paris Agreement, the potential re-election of former President Donald Trump could disrupt this partnership. Trump previously withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement and is likely to do so again if re-elected, significantly weakening US leadership in climate diplomacy.
China has pledged to peak its carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. While officials have hinted at more ambitious targets for 2035, they have not yet provided specific details. However, experts argue that China could achieve greater emissions reductions, with CO2 potentially already on the decline.
Despite progress, challenges remain. China’s energy demand continues to rise, and trade barriers hinder progress towards a greener economy. As a result, achieving ambitious climate goals will require significant effort, according to Chinese officials.
An influential Chinese think tank has called on the government to set a target for reducing absolute carbon emissions by 2035 and double wind and solar capacity to 2,400 gigawatts by 2030.
The outcome of the US presidential election will have a major impact on global climate cooperation, and the COP29 talks will be a crucial test of international commitment to tackling climate change.
First Piper 