The WhatsApp message was from the chief negotiator of one of the most powerful countries at the COP climate gathering. He asked if he could stop by for a chat. As his team worked diligently over their computers, eating takeaway pizza, he expressed frustration over the obstructive behavior of many other teams at the conference. This sentiment was echoed by others throughout the week, with concerns that the negotiating texts were growing rather than shrinking as deadlines approached, leading to speculation that the COP process might be in trouble.
The looming shadow of US president-elect Donald Trump potentially withdrawing the US from the COP process further added to the uncertainty. However, amidst all the chaos, there was one positive aspect – China. The chief negotiator highlighted China as a potential bright spot in the negotiations, noting a marked difference in their approach compared to previous years.
China’s increased cooperation was evident from the start of the conference, especially with the public disclosure of their climate funding efforts. This transparency was a significant departure from their usual practices and drew attention from participants at the conference. Despite being classified as a developing country, China’s substantial contributions to climate action in developing countries signaled a potential shift in their leadership role.
Experts point to China’s economic interests in renewable technologies as a driving force behind their increased involvement in global climate efforts. With Chinese companies leading the world in solar panel, wind turbine, lithium battery, and electric vehicle production, China is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy solutions in developing countries.
China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” aligns with their strategy of exporting clean technology to emerging economies, further solidifying their position as a key player in the global energy transition. As the US potentially steps back from climate leadership, China’s proactive stance could lead to a significant shift in the dynamics of COP negotiations.
While China may not adopt the same front-facing leadership style as the US and EU, experts predict that they will discreetly intervene to facilitate discussions and resolve disputes behind closed doors. This behind-the-scenes approach, combined with their significant investments in renewable technologies, positions China as a pivotal player in shaping the future of global climate action.