German media: EU delays signing climate action commitment with China

The EU is postponing the signing of a joint climate action commitment with China, which was originally planned to be achieved at the summit commemorating the 50th anniversary of Sino-European diplomatic relations this month.

EU Climate Commissioner Hooftstra told the Financial Times on Monday (July 7) that. He also said, "From our perspective, it only makes sense to issue a joint statement when it contains substantial content and demonstrates ambition."

Brussels has repeatedly rejected Beijing's requests to reach a bilateral climate commitment after the summit, before China makes more robust emission reduction commitments.

Hooftstra said, "I understand and acknowledge China's willingness from a diplomatic perspective to push for a statement between the two leaders, but for the EU, this is not enough on its own."

Reuters pointed out that the EU's climate goals are among the most ambitious in the world, but these goals are entirely based on domestic emissions reductions. Currently, the EU faces a deadline of mid-September to submit new 2035 climate targets to the United Nations.

The European Commission did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

China has been striving to balance economic growth and environmental goals. However, it is expected that by the end of this year, China will not be able to meet the five-year target of reducing carbon intensity by 18%. The "14th Five-Year Plan" requires a reduction of 13.5% in energy consumption per unit of GDP and 18% in carbon dioxide emissions.

Chinese officials have previously stated that since announcing the dual goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality five years ago, China has built the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system, as well as the world's largest and most complete new energy industry chain. China is also the country that has added the most green areas globally, contributing a quarter of the global new green area. Regardless of changes in the international situation, China's actions to actively address climate change will not slow down, and efforts to promote international cooperation will not weaken.

Source: DW

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837014458470403/

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