China stood for developing countries’ actual needs during the first global stocktake
Gao Xiang, researcher at National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation
China has made significant contributions to the first global stocktake over the past two years. To dispel the misconception that climate ambition is solely indicated by numerical targets in commitments, China advocated for a holistic perspective, emphasizing the need to strengthen targets, enhance implementation, and improve the means of implementation, including finance, technology, and capabilities.
China adopted a dual focus on both mitigation and adaptation, avoiding the trend of a narrow emphasis on emission reduction during the stocktake. It called on all nations to contribute to the global transition to sustainable energy based on their specific national circumstances and context, rather than simply imposing strict targets for phasing out fossil fuels.
On finance, China underscored the crucial distinction between developed countries’ obligations and the global needs. China, with the support of other developing countries, demanded developed nations to prioritize and fulfill their international obligations. This demand is reflected in the global stocktake texts. Meanwhile, China also expressed concerns about developing countries’ finance needs and developed countries’ lack of compliance.
(Originally published on World Environment, Vol.6, 2023)
