标签： Suriname

China is intensifying its efforts to achieve a comprehensive green transition in its economic and social development, while cautiously working towards peaking carbon emissions. At COP30 in Belém, Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier and Special Representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighted China’s progress and reinforced commitment to climate action. Ding emphasized that China has made significant strides toward its 2030 goals, including surpassing targets for wind and solar energy and expanding forest coverage. During the UN Climate Summit in September, President Xi Jinping announced an absolute reduction target for 2035, underscoring China’s determination and maximum efforts in climate mitigation. As the world’s largest emitter, accounting for approximately 30% of global CO2 emissions, China faces challenges due to its vast industrial base, reliance on coal, and rapid economic growth. The recently adopted recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) emphasize integrating carbon reduction, pollution control, green expansion, and economic growth. The plan focuses on building a robust ecological security barrier and fostering green development forces. Ding outlined three global climate policy priorities: maintaining the right direction by balancing environmental protection, economic development, employment, and poverty alleviation; translating climate pledges into action by adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities; and enhancing openness and cooperation by promoting international collaboration in green technology and industry, removing trade barriers, and ensuring the free circulation of high-quality green products. Ding also met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stressing the importance of true multilateral cooperation and the UN’s role in international affairs. Additionally, Ding highlighted China’s commitment to preserving tropical rainforests, essential for humanity’s well-being, and pledged to strengthen cooperation in this area. China’s efforts underscore its dedication to global climate policy and the importance of international collaboration for sustainable development and environmental preservation.

China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is projected to reach its peak carbon emissions later than previously anticipated. A recent survey of 68 climate experts reveals that 70% expect emissions to peak around 2028, a shift from earlier predictions that suggested a peak by 2025 or sooner. This delay underscores the complexities of China’s transition to a greener economy. In September, the Chinese government announced ambitious climate targets, including a 7-10% reduction in emissions from peak levels by 2035 and a goal for non-fossil fuels to account for over 30% of energy consumption. By 2060, China aims to achieve carbon neutrality, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s vision of an ‘ecological civilization.’ These objectives highlight China’s dual role as both the largest emitter and a global leader in green technologies such as wind and solar energy, as well as electric vehicles. Despite these efforts, climate specialists argue that China’s current ambitions fall short of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, the target set by the Paris Agreement. China’s climate policy is under close international scrutiny, especially given the U.S.’s temporary withdrawal from the agreement and mounting global pressure. China’s strategy is annually reviewed and refined through documents like the ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ (NDCs), which outline national emission reduction targets. The upcoming COP30 climate conference in Brazil, starting November 6, is seen as a critical moment to assess whether China and other nations will contribute sufficiently to combating climate change. The conference follows preparatory events, including a business meeting in São Paulo and a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, setting the stage for high-stakes negotiations. In summary, China faces the dual challenge of peaking its emissions in the coming years and then drastically reducing them. The interplay of political will, technological innovation, and international pressure will determine China’s continued leadership in the global climate transition.

At the Belém Climate Summit in Brazil, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname urged the international community to expedite access to climate financing for High Forest, Low Deforestation (HFLD) countries. Speaking during the summit’s opening session on November 6, Simons emphasized that funding climate action is not an act of charity but a shared global responsibility crucial for collective survival. She highlighted Suriname’s unique position as the country with the highest percentage of forest cover globally, yet stressed that this recognition alone does not bolster the nation’s economy. ‘We remove carbon from the atmosphere but receive no compensation for our efforts, which undermines our ability to preserve our forests,’ she stated. Simons pointed out that 75% of Suriname’s population resides in low-lying coastal areas already experiencing the impacts of rising sea levels. Indigenous and tribal communities inland are also feeling the effects of climate change, including floods, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather. These changes directly threaten livelihoods and key sectors like agriculture and tourism. The President expressed solidarity with countries recently hit by Hurricane Melissa, including Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, and called for swift and sustained international aid. Despite Suriname’s contributions to global CO₂ reduction through forest preservation, Simons noted the country’s ongoing challenges in accessing financial mechanisms agreed upon in the Paris Climate Agreement. Suriname has accredited 4.8 million Internationally Transferable Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) for 2024 and submitted its Net Zero Forest Reference Emission Level in January 2024, but it awaits official recognition from the UN Climate Secretariat. Simons called for predictable, long-term support for HFLD countries and the urgent removal of financial barriers. She also voiced support for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Tropical Forest Finance Facility initiative, aimed at achieving equitable climate financing and better recognizing the value of standing forests. Simons detailed Suriname’s recent submission of its Nationally Determined Contribution, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and the Paris Agreement. The strategy focuses on diversifying the economy through responsibly managed natural resources, including oil, promoting green growth, and protecting forests. ‘Suriname is doing its part. We expect major emitters to do theirs,’ she concluded, urging world leaders to support and implement the Belém Declaration on combating environmental racism.