Wealthy nations urged to lead climate action

Emphasizing the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as the foundation of global climate governance, Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang has called on developed nations to take the lead in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing climate finance support for developing economies.

"Developed countries should demonstrate greater ambition and action," and should take the initiative to reach carbon neutrality ahead of schedule, he stressed.

Addressing the World Leaders Climate Action Summit on Tuesday during the ongoing COP29 climate change conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, he said developing countries should also do the best they can to meet global climate goals.

At the core of the matter, combating climate change demands a profound shift in development paradigms, and China's robust capabilities in the production of electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products have greatly bolstered worldwide green development progress, the vice-premier noted.

He advocated for a collaborative push from the global community to hasten the energy transition in a fair and orderly manner.

Joint efforts should also be made to ensure the stability of new energy industry supply chains and advance the availability and advancement of green products and technologies, Ding added.

He underlined the pivotal roles of funding and technology in tackling climate change and urged developed countries to beef up their support for developing nations in this regard.

"We call on developed countries to increase financial support and technology transfer to developing countries," he noted, adding that he looked forward to seeing a stronger climate financing commitment from developed economies to developing states at the Baku climate gathering.

Since 2016, China has provided more than 177 billion yuan ($24.5 billion) to support other developing countries' efforts to fight climate change, he shared.

While participating in other events held on the sidelines of the annual UN climate gathering, the vice-premier vowed China would give more climate support to countries in the Global South.

In a high-level meeting about early warning weather systems on Tuesday, Ding announced that China will spearhead a flagship South-South cooperation project focused on establishing such systems, which would help nations better anticipate natural disasters.

The initiative aims to support other developing nations by providing meteorological observation equipment, early warning facilities and capacity-building training, he elaborated.

In an event that saw China launch an International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative on Wednesday, Ding recalled measures China has rolled out to help Small Island Developing States address global warming and also pledged consistent support.

He said, for instance, China has collaborated with these countries to establish low-carbon demonstration zones, and has also set up the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Cooperation Center as it actively assists SIDS in dealing with climate change and improving the well-being of their people.

China, together with SIDS, will explore establishing an international zero carbon islands cooperation organization to facilitate the sharing of resources, exchange of technologies and mutual learning, he announced.

Discussing zero carbon islands, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said: "The need to reduce emissions and protect our environment has never been more urgent. China is being an exemplary leader in this movement."

The commitment of China to going carbon neutral before 2060 is "a bold and inspiring example of leadership". China's efforts to drive green energy innovation, build sustainable cities and support clean technologies are paving the way for a low-carbon future, he continued.

"The initiative today is another bold step," Muizzu said. "It shows the world what is possible when nations work together to embrace sustainability."