As the world gears up for the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), China and the European Union are anticipated to take center stage in driving global climate efforts. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), expressed optimism about the collaborative potential of these two major climate actors, particularly in light of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement for the second time. COP30, set to take place in Belem, Brazil, next month, will review the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, a critical step in global climate governance. Andersen highlighted China’s ambitious renewable energy goals, including a target to increase wind and solar power capacity to 3,600 gigawatts by 2035, as a transformative force in the global energy transition. She also emphasized the potential for China-EU cooperation to spur low-carbon investments in developing economies, creating multilateral benefits. Andersen noted that such collaborations could stimulate industrial growth, generate jobs, and provide foundational infrastructure like renewable energy systems, which are essential for education, healthcare, and economic development in the Global South. The absence of the US, historically a key player in climate negotiations, underscores the importance of China and the EU’s leadership in ensuring the success of COP30. Andersen praised the ongoing dialogue between China and the EU, particularly within the G20 framework, and expressed confidence in their ability to drive ambitious climate action. She described the potential outcomes of their joint efforts as a ‘true win-win,’ with innovations and investments catalyzing sustainable development worldwide.