At the 2025 UN Climate Summit in New York, President Xi Jinping issued a rallying cry for shared leadership in the race against global warming. His video address marked the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and set a new tone for collective action.
Xi outlined bold targets: by 2035, China will slash net greenhouse gas emissions by 7–10% from peak levels, raise non-fossil fuels to over 30% of its energy mix, and expand wind and solar capacity sixfold to an unprecedented 3,600 GW. He also pledged to boost forest stock to 24 billion cubic meters and broaden the national carbon trading scheme.
For the first time, China’s commitments include absolute emission reductions—a clear signal that ambition must be matched by accountability. This move positions China not only as an energy powerhouse but also as a key partner in helping developing nations balance growth with environmental protection.
Xi’s address revolved around three guiding principles: confidence, responsibility and cooperation. He stressed that the green transformation is inevitable, urged developed countries to lead in funding and technology transfers, and called for open collaboration to share clean-energy innovations across borders.
The impact of these pledges is already visible. Over the past decade, China has driven more than half of global solar and wind investments and helped lower the cost of clean technologies. Its surge in electric vehicle production and infrastructure has made sustainable transport more attainable worldwide.
Global leaders hailed the cooperative spirit. UN Secretary-General António Guterres applauded the progress under the Paris framework but reminded nations that they must move “much further, much faster.” Xi’s message underlines that in the face of a warming planet, unity and shared purpose are the ultimate sources of strength.
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Xi's UN address: A call for shared leadership in a warming world
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