A man takes a photo of posters on display for the COP28 climate conference in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on Friday. WANG ZHENDONG/XINHUA
DUBAI: China supports the initiative by G20 countries to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, says Xie Zhenhua, China’s special envoy for climate change.
He also said during a news conference last Saturday on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP 28, that the world cannot forge ahead with energy transition without considering countries’ differing conditions.
COP 28, which is being held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, opened on Nov 30 and is scheduled to conclude tomorrow.
The largest contribution of the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change is that it mapped out the route toward the world’s green, low-carbon transition, for which energy transition is of great importance, Xie said.
To replace fossil energy with clean, highly efficient renewables is a global target that will eventually address the climate crisis, he said.
However, Xie emphasised that the transition will be painful.
During the process, countries are confronted with different national conditions, he said. With different energy structures and available resources, they need to handle the relations between energy and food security and climate actions.
“Only when they are able to properly manage these relations and ensure economic security can they see a smooth transition,” he said.
Xie underscored the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation during the global transition.
“I talked with a minister from a petroleum-exporting country. The minister told me that 80% to 90% of the country’s fiscal revenue is contributed by oil and natural gas.
“If oil and natural gas are phased out, how can the country survive and develop? The country has its difficulties,” Xie said.
He added that countries should mutually understand and support each other and join hands to seek the best solutions.
“This is our most effective way to go forward,” he said.
Parties at COP 28 have clashed over a possible agreement to phase out fossil fuels, with some countries resolutely opposing it and others unswervingly supporting it, Xie noted.
“We are still in communication with different parties, hoping to find a solution that is acceptable for all and also could solve problems. We are confident about this,” he said.
Xie reiterated China’s commitment to further promoting renewable energy.
“China has made significant contributions to energy transition and renewable energy development,” he said.
Thanks to the contributions, the cost for wind power generation around the world has decreased by 80%, and the cost of photovoltaic solar energy has declined roughly 90%, Xie said. — China Daily/ANN
