President Xi voices confirmation in implementing Paris Agreement, improving global climate governance

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday urged the international community to pursue a new approach to climate governance that highlights green recovery and pledged China's further commitments for 2030 to tackling the global climate challenge at the virtual Climate Ambition Summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the Climate Ambition Summit via video link on Dec. 12, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hailing the extensive international support to and participation in the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change since its adoption five years ago, Xi said the international landscape is evolving more rapidly, and COVID-19 is triggering deep reflections on the relationship between man and nature.

Saying the future of global climate governance is drawing greater attention, Xi made the following three proposals.

First, Xi called on all parties to close ranks and make new advances in climate governance that features win-win cooperation.

In meeting the climate challenge, no one can be aloof and unilateralism will lead nowhere, Xi said. "Only by upholding multilateralism, unity and cooperation can we deliver shared benefits and win-win results for all nations."

"China welcomes all countries' support for the Paris Agreement and their greater contribution to tackling climate change," Xi added.

Second, Xi called for raising ambition and fostering a new architecture of climate governance where every party does its part.

Following the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, all countries need to maximize actions in light of their respective national circumstances and capabilities, Xi said.

He also stressed that developed countries need to scale up support for developing countries in financing, technology and capacity building.

Third, Xi urged all parties to boost confidence and pursue a new approach to climate governance that highlights green recovery.

"Mountains and rivers green are mountains of silver and gold," Xi said, adding it is important to encourage green, low-carbon ways of life and production, and seek development opportunities and impetus from green development.

Noting China's important contributions to adopting the Paris Agreement and active efforts in its implementation, Xi said he announced in September that China would scale up its nationally determined contributions and adopt more vigorous policies and measures.

Xi went on to announce China's further commitments for 2030 to tackling the global climate challenge.

Xi said China will lower its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by over 65 percent from the 2005 level, increase the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption to around 25 percent, increase the forest stock volume by 6 billion cubic meters from the 2005 level, and bring its total installed capacity of wind and solar power to over 1.2 billion kilowatts.

Noting China always honors its commitments, Xi said China, guided by the new development philosophy, will promote greener economic and social development in all respects while pursuing high-quality development.

"We will take solid steps to implement the targets just announced, and contribute even more to tackling the global climate challenge," Xi added.

In addition, he called on all parties to build on past achievements, work together to make steady progress in implementing the Paris Agreement, and launch a new journey for global climate actions.

The summit, which aims to make new commitments to tackling climate change and delivering on the Paris Agreement, was co-convened by the United Nations, the United Kingdom and France, and in partnership with Chile and Italy.