Beijing won’t make novel coal-fire developments outside the country; an action could be essential in handling global emissions.
Xi Jinping (President of China) made the declaration in his speech at the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly). Moreover, Beijing has been supporting coal plans in nations like Vietnam and Indonesia under a huge infrastructure plan, well known as the Belt and Road initiative. The move has been under pressure to close the funding when the world struggles to meet Paris climate pact targets.
At the annual meeting, in a video recording, President Xi described that Beijing will ramp up support for other developing nations in developing low-carbon and green energy, and it won’t make new coal-fired power schemes overseas.
On this matter, no additional details were provided, but the action could bound the growth of coal projects in several developing nations under Beijing’s BRI (Belt and Road Initiative).
Furthermore, the Belt and Road Initiative of China has seen ports, roads, coal plants, and trains in many nations, most of them are developing countries. China, for the 1st time in many years, didn’t support any coal scheme in the opening half of this year.
China is the largest greenhouse gas emitter
The country is also the largest greenhouse gas emitter country of the world and it’s significantly dependent on coal for local energy needs.
Last year, President Xi Jinping cited pledges made about Beijing achieving the highest emissions ahead of 2030 and, after this, transitioning to carbon neutrality by 2060. Moreover, John Kerry (United States Climate Envoy) greeted the declaration, describing in a statement that he was absolutely pleased to hear that Xi Jinping has made this significant decision.
On Twitter, Alok Sharma described that it is unambiguous that the writing is on the wall for the coal plan, he greeted Xi Jinping’s pledge to halt making new coal plants overseas, the main topic of his negotiations during his tour to Beijing.
