The United States and China, the world’s two largest emitters of carbon dioxide, have announced an agreement to step up cooperation in combating climate change, including reducing methane emissions, protecting forests and phasing out coal.
The framework agreement was announced by US climate commissioner John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua at the UN climate conference in Scotland and both billed it as a success factor.
“Together we have set out our support for a successful COP26, including certain elements that encourage ambition,” Kerry said at a press conference. “Every step is important now and we have a long way to go.”
Through an interpreter, Xie told reporters that the deal would strengthen China’s emissions reduction targets and develop a national plan for methane. He also said both countries wanted to do more to stop deforestation.
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“Both sides will work together and with other parties to ensure a successful COP26 and enable an ambitious and balanced outcome,” said Xie.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement between China and the USA.
“Dealing with the climate crisis requires international cooperation and solidarity, and this is an important step in the right direction,” Guterres wrote on Twitter.
The UK organized the COP26 meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, which aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions and to keep the Paris Agreement target of 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature rise within reach to offset the global impact Curb warming.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping does not personally attend the United Nations meeting. Instead, he delivered a written statement last week on the opening part of the summit, when heads of state or government normally make speeches.
In it he made no additional commitments, but urged the countries to keep their promises and “strengthen mutual trust and cooperation”.
Xi promised at the UN General Assembly in September that China would achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.
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