The UK is aiming to collaborate with China and several developing nations to establish a global alliance supporting climate initiatives, countering the effects of Donald Trump's withdrawal from environmental policies and his alignment with countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia that are less climate-friendly.
Ed Miliband, the UK's energy and net zero secretary, arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit to engage in discussions with senior Chinese officials. These talks will focus on green technology supply chains, coal, and essential minerals for clean energy. The UK's green economy is expanding at a rate three times faster than the overall economy, but continued growth depends on access to necessary components and materials.
Miliband emphasized the importance of major polluters taking action to safeguard future generations from climate change. He stressed that neglecting to involve China in climate efforts would be irresponsible to both current and future generations. He also noted that domestic climate initiatives must be complemented by encouraging larger countries to contribute their fair share to truly protect farmers, pensioners, and children.
China is currently dealing with tariffs imposed by Trump on its exports to the US and faces the possibility of the EU imposing green tariffs on high-carbon Chinese imports like steel. Despite being the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China is benefiting from record exports of electric vehicles, solar panels, and other low-carbon products. However, its heavy reliance on coal remains a concern. The future of China's carbon emissions, whether they decrease or revert to fossil fuels, may largely depend on its response to Trump's trade policies.
Experts suggest that forming a pro-climate coalition among China, the EU, the UK, and other major economies, alongside vulnerable developing countries, is crucial to counterbalance the influence of the US, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and other petrostates advocating for fossil fuel expansion.
Miliband's visit to Beijing marks the first by a UK energy secretary in eight years. He recently visited India and Brazil on similar missions and engaged with ministers from developing countries at the Cop29 climate summit last November.
Catherine Abreu, director of the International Climate Politics Hub, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing that fulfilling the Paris agreement is impossible without China's involvement. She noted China's willingness to be more vocal on climate issues and its openness to partnering with Europe, Canada, and the UK.
However, achieving the necessary global emissions reductions to limit temperature increases to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris agreement, seems increasingly unlikely. Brazil will host the upcoming UN climate summit, Cop30, in the Amazon this November amid heightened geopolitical tensions and increased military spending by many governments.
Only a few countries, including the UK, have submitted their national emissions reduction plans for the next decade, as required by the 2015 Paris agreement, despite the deadline having passed. China's plan is expected closer to the Cop30 conference, and its current carbon targets are insufficient to meet the 1.5C threshold.
Miliband may need to adjust his strategy for a thriving green economy in the UK, considering China's economic dominance in the low-carbon technology sector, according to Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute. He pointed out that while countries aspire to benefit from the green economy, they face the reality of competing with China's economic strength.