Vice Premier Ding, Chairperson of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED),
Minister Huang, Minister Guilbeault,
Fellow Vice Chairpersons,
Colleagues and Friends,
Let me begin by extending my sincere thanks and congratulations to our Chinese hosts for hosting a successful meeting of the CCICED. Over the past two days, members of the Council have discussed the CCICED policy studies for a green transition. In so doing, participants have also discussed the challenges that China and indeed the world face as we strive together for net zero, for living in harmony with nature and for a pollution-free world.
This meeting took place at a time when centrifugal geopolitical forces appear to be pulling nations further apart. Yet here, in this room, we have built bridges that brought us closer together. A clear message from our dialogue stands out: it is critical that we live up to the commitments that have been made by quickly translating them into action and change.
My primary observation from this extraordinary gathering is how impressive it is that China throws open its doors and invites outsiders into the policy space to review, discuss and recommend pathways for the Chinese leadership to consider. I know of no other country that has both the self-confidence and the humility to do this. It says much about Chinas determination to move forward smartly. To move forward sustainably. And to consider all possible options before deciding the best way forward.
As we prepare to close this meeting, please allow me to reflect on a few key takeaways.
One, energy transitions and carbon neutrality
As many have noted during this meeting, China is the worlds leader in renewable energy at home and in the export market. Chinas success here is remarkable. China has both much to be proud of and much to gain. At home, China is set to install 200GW of renewables in 2024. We heard yesterday from Special Envoy Xie Zhenhua that China will have over 1,300GW of installed capacity more than five years ahead of the original target. On the export market, China stands to gain from a rapid ramping up of renewables in all countries across the world. That is great news for both China and for the world.
This incredible progress on clean energy also calls for a possible rethink of coal plant development. The Council notes that China has decided to retire older and inefficient coal plants. But it also notes that the recent coal plant approvals will bring an increase of about 10 per cent in Chinas coal generation.
In light of the faster-than-planned renewable expansion, which is on track to supplement declining outputs from hydropower, and in light of energy efficiency measures and market reforms, it is worthwhile reviewing whether the recently approved coal plants are still needed. A decision to reverse the approvals would be in line with the UN Secretary-Generals call for no new coal power plants, domestically or financed abroad.
Two, mining and minerals
Moving around Beijing, I have marvelled at the many electric vehicles on the roads. Bravo China for this achievement. As the world intensifies the electric vehicle and renewable energy transition, there will be a need for metals, minerals and more. Lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt, graphite, platinum, and so on. These are scarce and unique resources. As the world community sets out to mine these materials across the globe, we should also establish circularity policies at home to ensure that materials from retired components are recovered and recycled into new products. This would reduce the pressure that mining places on the environment, which is already under ferocious assault. And it would reduce the pressure on those people and communities who work in mines under conditions that are incompatible with human dignity and sustainable development.
So, critical minerals and circularity are an important area, which the CCICED may wish to focus on in the coming year.
Three, plastic pollution
Pollution remains a global challenge, one faced by every country. In this context, the CCICED has done important work on plastic pollution, which I salute. To take it to the next level, I ask China to play a leadership role in the ongoing negotiations for the global deal to end plastic pollution. Might China wish to join the High Ambition Coalition, for example? China demonstrated courageous and bold leadership in delivering the Global Biodiversity Framework. China can play a similar role in landing the plastic treaty.
We must also remember that this deal, if we get it right, will give more than it will take in economic terms. Make no mistake: plastics, in the scale and form we use them now, are on the way out. Smart businesses will get ahead of the game and start innovating now. This means there are real opportunities for the Chinese business sector to invest in reinventing packaging and the products that we contain in plastic. Real opportunities that will deliver very real profits.
Four, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
On biodiversity, let me again congratulate Chinas Presidency of COP15, under the able leadership of Minister Huang. Much work lies ahead to deliver these goals and targets, which are consistent with Chinas principle of ecological civilization. As we move ahead with implementing the framework itself, we all know we can count on China to demonstrate the same drive and leadership it showed in getting the GBF agreed.
Friends,
As I mentioned, the Council is a unique platform for shared learning, one that can be a catalyst to address the most pressing issues for people and the environment in China, across the region, and around the world.
We at UNEP are privileged to have worked with the CCICED from the very beginning, some 30 years ago, and to be part of this distinguished group of experts. And it is remarkable to witness China striding from a high growth to a high-quality development model guided by the vision of ecological civilization.
In closing, Vice Premier Ding and Dear Colleagues, this Council meeting underlines the importance of dialogue. And of engagement built on trust and mutual respect. This engagement demonstrates that no country, however powerful, is an island. On this planet, we are all connected. The food on my plate is harvested in the fields of another land. The air I breathe out is the air my neighbour breathes in. The wave that rolls off your shore will reach mine tomorrow.
And so, it is in fora such as this that we demonstrate understanding of this global connection. That we demonstrate solidarity with each other. And that we demonstrate how firm, united action on our collective problems will make our tomorrows safer and more secure for everyone.
I thank you.
