Enviro News Asia, Beijing — United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell praised China’s leadership in global climate action during a speech at Tsinghua University on Thursday, saying the country has played a critical role in accelerating the global transition toward clean energy and climate resilience.
Speaking before academics, students, and policymakers in Beijing, Stiell said China’s commitment to climate multilateralism and clean energy investment has helped transform global climate action since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015.
“China’s clean energy transformation has been breathtaking,” Stiell said, noting that the country invested more than 625 billion US dollars in clean energy in 2024 alone. He described China’s climate policies not only as an environmental strategy, but also as an industrial strategy, jobs program, and long-term development plan.
According to Stiell, China’s rapid expansion of renewable energy and electric vehicle industries has significantly reduced the cost of green technologies worldwide, making clean energy solutions more accessible for developing countries. He highlighted innovations from Chinese battery manufacturer CATL, including a new electric vehicle battery capable of delivering a 1,500-kilometer driving range with a six-minute charge.
Stiell also emphasized the role of Chinese investment and South-South cooperation in supporting clean energy development and climate resilience across developing countries, including renewable energy projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The UN climate chief warned that rising geopolitical tensions and renewed volatility in global fossil fuel markets have reinforced the importance of renewable energy for economic stability and national security. He pointed to oil prices surpassing 100 US dollars per barrel amid conflict in the Middle East as evidence of the risks associated with dependence on fossil fuels.
“Renewables are essential for energy security, economic stability, and national sovereignty,” Stiell stated.
He noted that China’s investment in electric vehicles is expected to save the country more than 28 billion US dollars in oil import costs this year, while demand for Chinese renewable technologies continues to grow internationally.
Stiell urged countries to strengthen climate multilateralism and accelerate implementation of the Paris Agreement through expanded climate finance, clean energy investment, methane reduction, resilient infrastructure, and food security initiatives.
He also praised China for consistently exceeding its climate targets, including achieving its 2030 wind and solar capacity goals six years ahead of schedule and surpassing electric vehicle sales targets earlier than expected.
“Where China leads, others follow,” he said, adding that China’s continued leadership will be crucial in the lead-up to COP31 and the second Global Stocktake process at COP33.
Stiell concluded by emphasizing that accelerated global climate action offers opportunities for stability, prosperity, and sustainable development, while warning that uncontrolled global warming would threaten economies, supply chains, and global security worldwide. (*)
