China Sets Ambitious 2035 Emissions Reduction Target
China, the world's largest carbon-polluting nation, today announced a significant new climate goal, pledging to reduce its economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% from peak levels by 2035. The announcement was made by President Xi Jinping via a video address at a high-level UN climate summit held in New York on September 24, 2025. This marks the first time China has set an economy-wide target for absolute emissions cuts.
Key Components of the New Climate Plan
The newly unveiled climate plan outlines several key initiatives aimed at accelerating China's transition to a greener economy. Beyond the 7-10% emissions reduction target, President Xi Jinping detailed further commitments:
- An increase in the share of non-fossil fuels in total energy consumption to over 30%.
- A substantial expansion of wind and solar power capacity to more than six times its 2020 levels, striving to reach a total of 3600 gigawatts.
- A pledge to make pollution-free vehicles mainstream and 'basically establish a climate-adaptive society'.
Context and Previous Climate Commitments
This new 2035 target builds upon China's existing 'dual carbon' goals, which include peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. China's climate commitments have evolved over the years, with President Xi Jinping first announcing the 2030 and 2060 targets at the 75th United Nations General Assembly in September 2020. The country has been under increasing international pressure to upgrade its climate ambitions, given its status as the largest annual emitter of greenhouse gases, responsible for more than 31% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions.
International Reaction and Future Outlook
The announcement at the UN climate summit, convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, comes ahead of the COP30 conference scheduled for November in Belém, Brazil. While the new target signifies a step forward, some experts have expressed concerns that the 7-10% cut may not be sufficient to align China's efforts with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) warned that emissions cuts of around 30% by 2035 would be more consistent with the 1.5°C limit. President Xi, in his address, also called on developed countries to take the lead in stronger climate actions, making an oblique reference to 'some countries' not rising to the climate challenge. The summit serves as a critical platform for nations to present updated climate action plans, setting the tone for the upcoming COP30 negotiations.
5 Comments
Habibi
Blaming developed countries while only cutting emissions by 7%? Hypocrisy.
Michelangelo
It's encouraging to see China set an absolute emissions target, which is a positive shift. However, the 7-10% figure does seem low compared to what scientists say is truly needed for global climate goals.
Leonardo
They talk a good game, but experts say 30% is needed. This is a PR move, not real change.
Michelangelo
This announcement shows China is acknowledging its role and making efforts, which is important. Yet, the article highlights expert concerns that this specific percentage won't be sufficient to prevent catastrophic warming, suggesting more aggressive targets are required.
Leonardo
Any commitment from the world's largest emitter is a welcome development for climate action. Still, the call for developed nations to do more, while China's own target falls short of ideal, indicates a complex and potentially insufficient global strategy.