China Commits to Historic Emission Cuts by 2035 Amid Global Pressure

China has made a significant pledge to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions for the first time, committing to cut emissions by 7-10% across its economy by 2035. President Xi Jinping announced this landmark target during a recorded message to the United Nations in New York, marking a pivotal moment for the world’s largest emitter of climate-warming gases. This commitment comes at a time when international climate discussions are intensifying, particularly ahead of the COP30 meeting in Belém, Brazil, scheduled for November.

The announcement follows a period of heightened climate-related weather events globally and comes as the United States, under former President Donald Trump, has rolled back its own climate commitments. In contrast, China’s pledge has received mixed reactions, particularly from environmental advocates. Yao Zhe, a global policy adviser at Greenpeace East Asia, expressed disappointment, stating, “Even for those with tempered expectations, what’s presented today still falls short.”

As nations approach the September deadline to submit new plans to limit emissions by 2035, the urgency of Xi’s announcement cannot be understated. These plans are integral to the Paris climate agreement, where nearly 200 countries agreed to take steps to mitigate global warming. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of these contributions, calling for comprehensive climate action plans that align with keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

China’s new emissions target is particularly crucial given that the country accounted for more than a quarter of global emissions in 2023, producing nearly 14 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. While the pledge marks a step forward, experts warn it is insufficient to meet international climate goals. Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, noted, “Anything less than 30% is definitely not aligned with 1.5 degrees.” He further indicated that scenarios to limit warming typically require reductions greater than 50% by 2035.

The recent report from the Stockholm Environment Institute highlights the disconnect between current plans and the necessary action to meet climate targets. Governments are projected to produce more than double the fossil fuels needed to stay within the 1.5 degrees limit by 2030. While China’s commitment may not fully align with these needs, some observers believe the country has a history of exceeding its climate targets. For instance, China surpassed its goal for wind and solar power capacity by achieving 1,200 gigawatts six years ahead of schedule in 2024.

Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute, suggested that the new targets should be regarded as a starting point rather than the final word. He remarked, “China’s rapid clean tech growth could propel the country much further over the coming decade.” Bernice Lee, a distinguished fellow at Chatham House, echoed this sentiment, noting that the current target does not reflect the pace of China’s energy transition, stating, “There’s a case to be made that Beijing missed a trick in landing a more ambitious goal.”

Despite the focus on renewable energy, China continues to rely heavily on coal, the most polluting fossil fuel. Last year, coal-fired electricity generation reached a record high, although preliminary data indicates a decline in the first half of 2025 as solar power usage increased. Li Shuo also pointed out that there is evidence suggesting that China’s emissions may be plateauing, with levels expected to be lower than in 2024.

This recent commitment from China signals a pivotal shift towards decarbonization after decades of rapid emissions growth. As nations prepare for COP30, the focus will remain on ensuring that climate action aligns with the urgent need for substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions globally.