By Faridat Salifu
In recent discussions held in Beijing, U.S. climate envoy, John Podesta remarked on the noticeable strides made in addressing key climate finance disparities between the United States and China, despite some lingering differences.
Podesta emphasized the potential for collaboration in climate initiatives, stating, “Notwithstanding some friction in our bilateral relationship, we can find places to collaborate for the good of our people and of our climate.”
The dialogues, which featured meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chinese climate counterpart Liu Zhenmin, come against the backdrop of previous climate cooperation efforts that played a significant role in shaping global agreements, notably the 2015 Paris Agreement.
However, experts express tempered expectations for concrete outcomes from these discussions, particularly given the uncertainties surrounding the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
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Podesta’s visit coincides with concerns stemming from Donald Trump’s previous withdrawal from climate negotiations during his presidency, a decision that could be revisited if he secures re-election.
During the talks, Foreign Minister Wang voiced hopes for the U.S. to maintain consistent climate policies, emphasizing the need for a stable approach in international climate diplomacy.
Podesta highlighted the productive conversations regarding the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November, where establishing a significant new fund to assist developing nations will be a primary goal.
While the U.S. is advocating for a broader base of contributors to this fund, China and other larger developing nations have expressed concerns that such measures might undermine the responsibilities of wealthier countries.
Moreover, preparations are underway for both nations to present ambitious climate targets for 2035 to the United Nations early next year, with the U.S. urging China to commit to substantial reductions in CO2 emissions.
Finally, the two parties are planning a bilateral summit focused on addressing non-CO2 greenhouse gases, including methane, which Podesta noted play a crucial role in driving global warming, accounting for nearly half of the contributing factors.
