Experts say Xi's new proposals on global climate fight show resolve, bolster faith

BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping shared on Wednesday with the international community his insights on how countries worldwide can come together to tackle climate change at the Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition.

Hailing his call for multilateralism, strengthened cooperation, a just transition and results-oriented actions, observers said Xi's proposals have bolstered faith in jointly tackling the world's most urgent environmental challenges.

While presenting China's green development vision and announcing its climate action in his video speech, Xi underscored China's resolve to partner with various stakeholders in building a clean, beautiful and sustainable world.

"As long as we enhance confidence, solidarity and cooperation, we will overcome the headwinds and steadily move forward global climate governance and all progressive endeavors of the world," Xi said.

"In a turbulent world, the message from Beijing projects a clear vision of where the world should be moving to," said Putra Adhiguna, managing director of Indonesia's Energy Shift Institute, adding that "the respectful acknowledgement of the different needs of countries and the needs to share the fruits of green development is welcomed by many countries."

Likewise, Al Mamun Mridha, former secretary general of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, "Xi's emphasis on multilateralism and the deepening of international cooperation is both timely and commendable."

Climate change presents a profound global challenge that no single nation can address in isolation, Mridha said, adding that the emphasis on a just transition is important for developing countries such as Bangladesh, where economic growth needs to be pursued in tandem with environmental sustainability.

In his speech, Xi said China will announce its 2035 nationally determined contributions covering all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases before the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belem, Brazil.

China's continued commitment to cutting emissions is "extremely important" for global climate action, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

"It was among the most diverse meetings of heads of state focused exclusively on climate in some time. Yet I heard a unifying message" toward action, Guterres said during a press conference after the online climate meeting.

"The world is getting on with progressing towards net zero emissions," said Gareth Redmond-King, head of International Programme at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, a nonprofit organization based in Britain.

"Countries committing to deliver new climate targets show that the multilateral process, with all of its frustrations, is still marching on," Redmond-King noted.

Xi also pointed out however the world may change, China will not slow down its climate actions, will not reduce its support for international cooperation, and will not cease its efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

"Upholding multilateralism, promoting just transitions and sharing green innovations are essential for a safe and prosperous future," said Nanda Kumar Janardhanan, deputy director for climate and energy at the Japan-based Institute for Global Environmental Strategies.

"Together, the world can build a resilient planet that serves the well-being of all humanity," Janardhanan added.