Climate Change Talks Move Forward

After negotiations between various parties, the United Nations climate talks in Bonn, Germany, finally achieved positive results and laid a solid foundation for final negotiations on the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Before this conference, Donald Trump’s announcement of the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement caused much concern about whether substantive progress could be made. However, the result was in fact quite optimistic. The conference achieved a series of outcomes named “Fiji Implementing Power,” reached consensus on a balanced negotiation for the next stage and confirmed the arrangement of the dialogue in 2018, as well as coordinated actions to take before 2020. Funds remain in dispute, but all parties tried hard to make a deal.

Developing countries demonstrated unprecedented unity during the conference. Developed countries showed great flexibility and constructiveness too. Participating countries remain positive toward global climate change, which shows their sense of responsibility.

It is widely acknowledged that China has accomplished great achievements in tackling climate change. China adopts effective policies to control greenhouse gas emissions. China’s investment in solar, wind and hydro power is bigger than that of any other country in the world. In addition, China has been working to reduce emissions in the industrial sector and promote the develop- ment of electric vehicles.

China is working to establish a green, low-carbon, circular economic system and energy system. The Chinese Government vows to fulfill China’s emission reduction commitments and promote cooperation with all parties in coping with climate change. All these moves demonstrate China’s determination to respond to global climate change with concrete actions.

However, it is still an arduous task to push forward the talks next year. China hopes that all parties will continue to follow the principles of fairness, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities to push forward the implementation of the Paris Agreement as scheduled. China hopes that all parties step up efforts to ratify the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol and developed countries continue to implement financial, technical and capacity-building support for developing countries.

In coping with climate change, China will continue to promote green, low-carbon development and address domestic environmental problems. It will strengthen SouthSouth cooperation on climate change and work together with the international community to promote the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. China will continuously play a constructive role in advancing global governance on climate change.