Xi Jinping tells UN: China plans 7-10% greenhouse gas reduction by 2035

New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 25, 2025 02:14 IST

China has announced new climate targets at a United Nations climate leaders' summit, with President Xi Jinping committing to reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions by 7%-10% below its peak by 2035 and to significantly ramp up wind and solar capacity. Xi called for unity on climate action while cautioning against countries moving away from global clean energy commitments. The announcement comes as global leaders prepare for the COP30 summit in Brazil later this year and as divisions deepen over the pace and ambition of climate action.

In a live video message from Beijing, President Xi told the summit, hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, that China aims to lower its emissions and expand its installed wind and solar power capacity to more than six times their 2020 levels within ten years. The plan also calls for non-fossil fuels to make up over 30% of China’s domestic energy consumption by 2035. Xi referred to "some countries" moving against the clean energy transition and stressed the need for international cooperation: "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," Xi said.

US AND CHINA AT ODDS OVER CLIMATE COMMITMENTS

The summit followed a speech by US President Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly in which he criticised climate change science, calling it a "con job" and singling out China and EU nations for adopting renewable energy initiatives. The US, the world's biggest historical emitter and currently the second largest after China, is withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, which sought to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This move has drawn concern from other nations, with Xi implicitly referencing the US stance by urging developed countries to lead on emissions reductions and uphold climate agreements.

UN URGES STRONGER CLIMATE COMMITMENTS FOR 2035

Secretary-General Guterres used the summit, held alongside the UN General Assembly, to increase momentum for new national climate plans ahead of COP30. He highlighted the impact of the Paris Agreement, stating, "The Paris Agreement has made a difference," and noting that since its adoption in 2015, projected global temperature rise has dropped from 4 degrees C to 2.6 if current national climate plans are fully implemented. Guterres added, "Now, we need new plans for 2035 that go much further, much faster."

EUROPEAN UNION OUTLINES PROVISIONAL CLIMATE TARGETS

The European Union has not finalised its new UN-mandated climate target but has drafted temporary plans for submission. European Union President Ursula Van der Leyen said at the summit that the EU is on track to reach its 2030 target of slashing emissions 55% by 2030, and its 2035 reduction goal would range between 66% and 72%.

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