In a landmark announcement, China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has pledged to reduce its emissions by 7-10% by 2035, marking its first absolute target for emissions reduction. President Xi Jinping made the commitment in a video statement to the United Nations in New York, emphasizing China’s dedication to surpassing these goals. This announcement comes at a critical juncture as the US, under President Donald Trump, has scaled back its climate commitments, with Trump dismissing climate change as a ‘con job’. However, environmental experts argue that China’s targets, while significant, fall short of what is necessary to meet global climate objectives. ‘Even for those with tempered expectations, what’s presented today still falls short,’ said Yao Zhe, global policy adviser at Greenpeace East Asia. The urgency of these pledges is underscored by the looming deadline for countries to submit their updated climate plans under the Paris Agreement, originally due in February but now expected by the end of September. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the importance of these commitments in limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, a goal set in the Paris Agreement. ‘We absolutely need countries to come with climate action plans that are fully aligned with 1.5 degrees,’ he said. China’s new targets cover all greenhouse gases and include ambitious plans to expand wind and solar power capacity, increase forest stocks, and promote new energy vehicles. Despite these efforts, analysts like Lauri Myllyvirta of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air argue that a 30% reduction is necessary to align with the 1.5°C target. China’s reliance on coal remains a significant challenge, although recent data suggests a plateau in emissions. Observers remain hopeful, citing China’s history of exceeding its climate commitments, such as achieving its 2030 renewable energy target six years early. ‘The targets should be seen as a floor rather than a ceiling,’ said Li Shuo of the Asia Society Policy Institute. As the world grapples with the climate crisis, China’s actions will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of global emissions.