Mr. Huang Runqiu, Minister of Ecology and Environment,
Excellencies and Colleagues,
My thanks to the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment for organizing todays important event.
This COP our focus is on how we accelerate implementation and action action we sorely need. UNEPs just-released Emissions Gap Report 2025 tells us that, despite some progress, the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) have barely moved the needle. The world is heading for global warming of 2.3-2.5C and an escalation of damages, even if the NDCs are implemented.
UNEPs Adaptation Gap Report tells us that adaptation actions are still lagging despite the many impacts we are already seeing such as the intense hurricane that hit Cuba and Jamaica recently. We need a massive uplift in financing to deliver the estimated US$310 to US$365 billion per year by 2035 that developing countries need to finance adaptation.
China is, of course, very aware of these issues. Because China is one of the countries leaning in on climate action. As I said when I was in Beijing a few weeks ago for the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED), Chinas latest NDC signals continued climate determination. Backed by strong policies, China is now projected to peak emissions very soon. And current policies already put China on the trajectory of cutting emissions up to 10 per cent below peak by 2035. I salute this important leadership.
China can do this because it is leading the renewable race. Under the 14th Five-Year Plan (20212025), renewables in 2025 account for about 60 per cent of total installed capacity. China ranks first globally in electric vehicle production and sales. Energy consumption per unit of GDP is falling, Chinas carbon market is booming, air pollution has fallen in Beijing. I could go on and on.
There is a lesson here for other nations. China achieved all this because it recognized early on what is at stake: cleaner air, energy security, jobs and economic resilience. China invested and is reaping the benefits.
But strong leadership creates strong expectations. One might even say that China is suffering from the curse of competence: the more you do well, the more we want. So, I once again encourage China to take even bolder action and reshape the global energy narrative even further. Explore setting targets on coal flatlining and overall fossil fuel phasedown targets. Cut fossil fuel subsidies. Set even higher energy efficiency standards.
I am also pleased to see that China is tackling its non-CO2 gas emissions, including through the Methane Emissions Control Action Plan. Action to cut methane emissions is essential, as it would bring down temperatures faster than action on carbon dioxide, buying time for a full energy transition.
We at UNEP would welcome broader membership of Chinese companies in the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0, led by UNEPs International Methane Emissions Observatory, and greater engagement with the Methane Alert and Response System MARS which issues alerts on large methane emissions.
So, as China prepares to set out on the 15th Five Year Plan of China (2026-2030), I thank this great nation for all its efforts: in the climate space, but also in restoring and protecting nature, and in reducing pollution and waste.
Over the next five years, China can show even stronger leadership. Through partnerships and SouthSouth Cooperation. By further reducing emissions and developing a fully circular economy. And by showing that investment in a low-carbon, resilient economy is the catalyst for health, wealth and prosperity.
