China calls for “more results” in cooperation with EU on climate change

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng and Frans Timmermans, vice president of the European Commission and in charge of the Green Deal, agreed last night to “deepen” cooperation to combat climate change during a virtual meeting.

At the meeting, framed within the second High-Level Dialogue on the Environment between China and the European Union (EU), Han said that the two sides should “implement the consensus already reached” and “contribute to global sustainable development,” the Communist Party of China news network said on its website.

“We must strengthen understanding and trust between the two sides, strengthen communication and strive for more results,” Said Han, who also called for ensuring the implementation of the Paris Agreement and “injecting confidence” into climate cooperation globally.

According to Han, Beijing is willing to “narrow the differences” existing, and recalled China’s recent announcement that it will not build new coal-fired energy projects abroad.

Timmermans, according to the note, said that “the EU greatly appreciates China’s efforts to address climate change” and showed its willingness to coordinate with the Asian giant to organize the UN Conference on Biodiversity (COP15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity) that will take place next month in the southern Chinese city of Kunming.

In its first drafts, the Convention set as a goal the preservation of at least 30% of the planet’s surface with effective measures and a 50% reduction in the rate of introduction of invasive species.

It also set a 2030 target of halving nutrient loss in the environment, cutting at least two-thirds of pesticide use as well as eliminating plastic waste emissions.

Last night’s meeting precedes the meeting, also virtual, that will be held today by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the High Representative for EU Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, within the framework of the 11th round of high-level strategic dialogue between China and the EU.

Source: EFE Green