Global climate leadership took center stage as COP30 opened in Belem, Brazil. China stressed stronger cooperation and deeper climate action during a moment of fading global momentum.
At the opening ceremony, COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago urged countries to present concrete solutions. He said multilateral cooperation remains the only realistic path forward. He also thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for supporting the conference.
Meanwhile, China launched its China Pavilion program with a session on ecological civilization. Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said China will not slow its climate action. He added that the country will continue supporting international cooperation despite rising global uncertainty.
Soon after, China’s climate envoy Liu Zhenmin emphasized a people-centered and law-based approach. He said global climate leadership must rely on shared interests, steady dialogue, and practical action.
Experts at the summit highlighted China’s growing impact on global climate systems. For example, Correa do Lago noted that China’s solar and battery industries have lowered global clean-energy costs. He said this has transformed energy markets and strengthened access to low-carbon technologies worldwide.
Recent studies showed China’s emissions fell for 18 straight months. Analysts said this decline resulted from rapid electric-vehicle adoption and stronger renewable-energy output. They argued that China’s policy execution and industrial capacity continue to drive the trend.
In Brazil, scholars said China’s green technologies already influence agriculture, services, and ecological management. They expect deeper China–developing-nation cooperation to support new green industries. They also said many emerging economies view China’s leadership as an opportunity rather than a threat.
However, several Western nations showed limited participation during opening sessions. As a result, observers warned that global climate leadership may be shifting away from traditional powers.
China recently strengthened its Nationally Determined Contributions by adopting its first absolute emissions-reduction target. Officials said this shift marks a move from intensity-based goals toward total-emissions control. They also urged countries to remove green trade barriers and reduce unilateral actions that raise transition costs.
Chinese delegates said COP30 must address financing gaps, supply-chain issues, and rising energy-transition costs in developing nations. They pledged to expand South-South cooperation and promote open markets for low-carbon products.
Throughout the summit, China argued that global climate leadership requires inclusive partnerships and sustained commitment. Officials said stronger cooperation among developing countries will be essential for a just global transition.
