Cop30: EU and China face test of their leadership at climate talks

Cop30: EU and China Face Leadership Test at Climate Talks

The Cop30 climate talks in Belém reveal contrasting strategies between Beijing and Brussels in addressing the climate crisis. With the United States stepping back, the European Union and China face growing pressure to demonstrate leadership.

EU-China Relations and Climate Cooperation

During their summit in Beijing last July, China and the European Union disagreed on many issues such as trade policy and the war in Ukraine. However, they found common ground in advocating for “a global just transition” on climate and in striving for a successful Cop30 summit in Brazil.

Leadership Roles in Climate Action

Following Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the EU remains one of the few developed region representatives in Belém. It faces calls to speed up its decarbonisation efforts and financially support poorer nations coping with the climate crisis.

China’s Role in Emissions and Renewable Energy

China is the largest global emitter of greenhouse gases and a world leader in renewable energy technology. It consumes half of the world’s coal but installs more solar capacity annually than all other countries combined.

EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS)

The core of the EU’s decarbonisation plan is its emissions trading system, which aims to curb fossil fuel demand by enforcing a carbon price currently standing at about €78 per tonne.

“A global just transition” on climate and making Cop30 a success were shared goals between China and the EU leaders.

Author’s summary: As the US refrains from leadership, the EU and China emerge as pivotal players in climate talks, with distinct strategies and shared commitment shaping Cop30’s future.

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The Irish Times The Irish Times — 2025-11-12

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