China makes historic climate pledge to cut emissions ahead of COP30

China is set to lead the nations by laying down the first-ever concrete climate plans of cutting emission in a bid to counter the growing menace of climate change.

While speaking in a live video message at the UN General Assembly on September 24, Chinese President Xi Jinping committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10 percent from peak levels by 2035.

Moreover, China has also announced its plans to increase its wind and solar power capacity by 6 times from its 2020 levels within the next 10 years, aiming to increase its energy consumption from non-fossil sources.

This is the first time that the world's biggest polluter has offered a pledge to cut CO2 emissions instead of reducing or limiting their growth.

The announcement came at a time when other developed countries, including the US are reneging on the goals of the Paris Agreement.

While urging the global community to take responsibility for climate actions, President XI said, “Green and low-carbon transformation is the trend of our times. Despite some countries going against the trend, the international community should stay on the right track, maintain unwavering confidence, unwavering action, and undiminished efforts.”

This landmark pledge came ahead of COP30, a prestigious climate-related gathering of global leaders, which is going to take place in Brazil in November.

These climate pledges are an important part of the Paris climate agreement, which are submitted by countries every 5 years to limit global warming, a main driver of climate change.

Speaking before the meeting UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, "We absolutely need countries to come [...] with climate action plans that are fully aligned with 1.5 degrees, that cover the whole of their economies and the whole of their greenhouse gas emissions.”