US climate envoy John Podesta is set to visit China this week to hold discussions with counterpart Liu Zhenmin, as reported by state media on Tuesday. This meeting comes ahead of the COP29 summit scheduled for November in Baku.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, the two officials will engage in an in-depth exchange of views on practical cooperation and also discuss their respective domestic climate policy actions and the multilateral process on climate change.
Liu and Podesta had their first meeting in Washington back in May, where they vowed to collaborate on reducing methane, the second-most abundant greenhouse gas. During the two-day talks, they explored ways to promote a successful COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as stated by the US State Department.
Despite significant differences and tensions, President Joe Biden’s administration views climate as an area where cooperation with China is possible. Former climate envoy John Kerry had developed a close relationship with Xie Zhenhua, China’s veteran climate negotiator, resulting in a successful outcome at last year’s COP28 in Dubai.
Prior to the Dubai meeting, China had committed to a comprehensive plan to address methane emissions, which is a contentious issue due to its status as the largest emitter of methane globally. Both countries had also agreed to co-host an event in Baku focusing on reducing methane and other non-carbon greenhouse gases.
China, however, refrained from signing a global pledge led by the US and EU to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
It is important to highlight the potency of methane compared to carbon dioxide, as well as its brief lifespan in the atmosphere. Methane emissions primarily stem from oil and gas production, along with agriculture.
Despite the objectives set in UN climate summits to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius beyond pre-industrial levels, there is a significant gap in progress towards achieving this target.
Additionally, the need for a transition away from fossil fuels was acknowledged for the first time during the Dubai talks, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change.
China’s position as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, highlights the country’s pivotal role in mitigating climate change impacts.
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