Key facts
- China's environment minister Huang Runqiu stated that global climate cooperation will continue despite US withdrawal.
- Huang emphasized China's commitment to green development and urged strengthened international collaboration.
- The US has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement.
- The EU and Canada co-hosted a climate action meeting with China in Brussels.
- European Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra stressed the importance of ambitious climate commitments and NDCs.
- Canadian Minister Julie Dabrusin highlighted Canada's approach to climate competitiveness.
China's environment minister, Huang Runqiu, stated that global efforts to combat climate change must continue despite the withdrawal of certain countries, including the United States. Speaking at a climate action meeting in Brussels co-hosted by the EU and Canada, Huang emphasized that international cooperation should not be weakened by changing political circumstances or the absence of individual leaders.
Huang highlighted China's ongoing commitment to green and low-carbon development, citing the country's 15th Five-Year Plan and its significant advancements in its carbon emissions trading market and renewable energy sector. He asserted that China will continue its path of green development despite international uncertainty and urged for strengthened cooperation in times of global instability.
European Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra echoed the sentiment, stating that slowing the green transition is not an option and that electrification powered by clean energy offers a path to greater energy security and industrial competitiveness. He stressed the importance of ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and outlined priorities for accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels, expanding renewables, and improving energy efficiency.
Canadian Minister Julie Dabrusin presented Canada's strategy of pursuing 'climate competitiveness' by reducing emissions while growing the economy. She highlighted measures such as decarbonizing transport and industry, tightening methane regulations, and protecting biodiversity. Both Hoekstra and Dabrusin expressed anticipation for COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, focusing on moving from promises to implementation and action.