The United States must uphold its Climate Change Obligations, China warns
Chinese officials say the United States must do more than "shouting slogans"...
The United States has been warned by China that it must meet its international climate change obligations and do more than “shouting slogans,” according to Zhao Lijian, China’s foreign ministry spokesman.
Warnings come after the Supreme Court voted to limit the authority of the United States Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from existing coal and gas-powered power plans under the Clean Air Act.
"It is not enough to just shout slogans to tackle climate change. We urge developed countries, including the United States, to... face up to their historical responsibilities and show greater ambition and action.”
Zhao Lijian said.
Chinese environmentalists stated the decision made by the Supreme Court could further undermine the broader climate relationships between China and the United States. Li Shuo, the senior adviser with Greenpeace said, "The ruling carries profound implications and will significantly weaken the conditions for future U.S.-China climate talks. The Chinese side believes there won't be any quid pro quo on climate between them and the United States.”
Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged that the country would start shedding coal consumption in 2026. Amid growing concerns surrounding economic growth and energy security, senior officials from both the United States and China have continued to stress the dire need to manage the low-carbon energy transition with care.