The World’s Largest Emitter, China, Pledges Absolute Emissions Cut by 2035
While experts welcomed the symbolic move, many described the target as too modest to avert climate catastrophe
China, the world’s largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter, has announced that it will deliver its first-ever absolute reduction of emissions by 2035. President Xi Jinping made the pledge yesterday at the opening of the United Nations Secretary-General’s (UNSG) Climate Summit in New York, committing to cut overall emissions by 7–10% after peaking in 2024.
While experts welcomed the symbolic move, many described the target as too modest to avert climate catastrophe. Still, this marks the first time China has pledged an all-economy, all-GHG emissions cut.
China’s Climate Commitments
China, the world’s second-largest economy and top source of carbon dioxide for nearly two decades, has a pivotal role in determining global warming outcomes.
Under its 2035 climate plan, Beijing aims to:
- Reduce overall GHG emissions by 7–10% compared to 2024 levels.
- Raise the share of non-fossil fuels to over 30% of total energy demand by 2035.
- Expand wind and solar capacity, with analysts expecting the country’s booming clean-tech sector to surpass the stated 3,600 GW target.
Global Context at UNSG Climate Summit
The summit saw more than 100 countries submit their new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, ahead of COP30 in Belem, Brazil. Among them were China, Mongolia, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Pakistan, Liberia, Australia, Nigeria, and Jamaica, all presenting updated 2035 goals.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged leaders to deliver “dramatic emissions cuts aligned with 1.5°C,” covering all sectors and accelerating the global energy transition.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva, host of COP30, pledged to reduce emissions by 59–67% across all sectors and stressed the Amazon’s role: “It is impossible to preserve nature without caring for people.”
U.S.–China Climate Tensions
Xi Jinping indirectly criticized the U.S., noting that “some countries” were not living up to climate responsibilities. He called for respecting the rights of developing nations, but analysts said China’s own pledge lacked the ambition expected of the world’s largest emitter.
Expert Reactions
Former UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres commented: “The new NDCs are a welcome signal that countries remain committed to collective action. But the collective ambition is still far from sufficient to meet the Paris targets. Governments must now align policy with the speed of transformation already underway.”
The writer of this article is Dr. Seema Javed, an environmentalist & a communications professional in the field of climate and energy
