John Kerry visits China to revive climate cooperation amidst escalating extreme weather events

In an effort to revive climate cooperation between the two largest greenhouse gas emitters, the United States special envoy on climate, John Kerry, is currently on a three-day visit to China. This visit comes at a time when extreme weather events, including heatwaves and record-high temperatures, have been affecting regions across the globe, posing significant threats to agriculture, human health, and wildlife.

Highlighting the significance of the meeting, Kerry emphasized that both China and the United States have immense economic and environmental influence. As the world's two largest emitters of greenhouse gases, it is crucial for these nations to come together and demonstrate how cooperation can address climate change with the urgency it demands.

“So, the imperative of our two countries coming together and working and showing the rest of the world how we can cooperate and begin to address this with the urgency it requires is incredible,” Kerry stated.

During his visit, Kerry is engaging in bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua. The discussions will primarily focus on key issues such as reducing methane emissions, limiting coal usage, combating deforestation, and supporting developing nations in their climate change efforts. The envoy intends to urge China to reduce its reliance on coal and establish targets for reducing methane emissions, which, alongside carbon dioxide, significantly contribute to the escalating global temperatures.

On July 17, Kerry held meetings with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, where both sides acknowledged the existence of significant differences between them. However, they expressed a shared commitment to finding common ground and resolving challenges through constructive dialogue. Moreover, the discussions touched upon the need for improved communication to restore relations strained by disputes over trade, Taiwan, human rights, and territorial claims.

Wang expressed hope that Kerry's visit would lead to a positive and important role for the US envoy, fostering a reasonable, practical, and positive approach from Washington towards China.

The visit by John Kerry marks the third instance of senior Biden administration officials traveling to China for meetings with their Chinese counterparts in recent weeks. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen have also engaged in dialogue, highlighting the Biden administration's commitment to rebuilding and strengthening relationships with China on various fronts.

The talks between the United States and China hold immense significance for global climate action. By collaborating on vital issues such as methane reduction, and coal usage, and supporting developing nations, both countries have the opportunity to lead the world in addressing climate change. As the world battles the consequences of extreme weather events, the outcome of these discussions could potentially shape the trajectory of global climate efforts and pave the way for international cooperation to combat the climate crisis.