EarthOne Spotlight: COP26 Climate Talks & the China‑US Dance
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Deal on Carbon Markets
Last Tuesday (Nov 2) China’s leading climate negotiator, Xie Zhenhua, dropped a bombshell: a broad agreement on carbon markets is possible at COP26, even with Beijing and Washington still having a rocky relationship.
- Why it matters: A global carbon market could unlock massive investments in clean‑tech projects.
- What’s been missing: Rules under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement—a stubborn puzzle that hasn’t been solved since 2015.
- History lesson: This gathering is the first major summit since former President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the 2015 Paris Agreement, providing a perfect chance to reset the wheels.
Why US‑China Matters
Delegates all over the world agree that the U.S. and China’s collaboration is the linchpin for real progress. Xie described the U.S.–China partnership as the glue that held the Paris Agreement together. The U.S. “gave up” during Trump’s tenure, wasting five years, but the next five are all about making up for lost time.
Key Voices at the Summit
Xie Zhenhua:
- “We expect a Glasgow deal on Article 6—finally.”
- “The wealthy nations still haven’t honored a $100 billion pledge by 2020 for climate finance to developing countries.”
- “Some say the goal could have been met by 2022; we’re aiming for 2023 instead.”
Alok Sharma (COP26 President):
- “The $100 billion target will hit by 2023.”
Emmanuel Macron (French President):
- “The biggest win will come if China and the U.S. patch things up on climate.”
- “A Sino‑American alliance is key—if they can line up, the planet will thank you.”
Future Goals & Takeaway
The summit isn’t just about talk; it’s a call to action. With the world’s leaders on the same page, actions can be quicker, and results can actually materialise. Remember: the planet’s future is like a dance—so let’s keep the music turning and the feet moving!
Stay tuned for more giggles, insights, and serious climate updates on EarthOne. Together, we can keep the earth’s rhythm strong and steady.
Sanctions Tension
Climate Talk Tussle
Even as the world gathers to tackle warming, the biggest players on the greenhouse‑gas leaderboard—China and the United States—still feel the chill of their own rivalry.
So‑called “Oasis” in a Desert
When Washington tried to pull climate out of the broader political cross‑fire, senior diplomat Wang Yi sent a clear message to US envoy John Kerry in September: Beijing sees a “desert” looming over the fragile “oasis” of climate collaboration.
Sanctions: The Sour Punch
- The US has slapped sanctions on Chinese companies—including solar gear sellers tied to Xinjiang.
- China says you can’t expect it to dial down coal while simultaneously cutting its solar partners the teeth.
- Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin slammed the move, noting the double‑handedness.
Human Rights: Fire in the Crowd
The Global Times, a paper operated under the Party’s umbrella, warned that Washington was unlikely to sway Beijing on climate if it keeps blasting it about human‑rights abuses. “China can’t see any fair negotiation amid this tension,” the editorial said.
Xi Jinping’s Remote Notice
- President Xi Jinping will send a written statement instead of a video at the UN opening.
- He didn’t push for a “recorded address” like many UK leaders are willing to offer.
- Some climate fighters worry the lack of a live presence could mean no fresh concessions.
Past Pledges to Keep It Real
China keeps reminding the world of its grand plans: peak emissions by 2030 and net‑zero by 2060. Whether that promise will now fill in the gaps left by the missing live‑talk remains to be seen.
