Expectations and potential plans from China at the COP26 summit

China, who happens to be the biggest emitter of carbon, has initiated its commitments toward climate change and set targets for approaching net neutrality by the year 2060. However, thus far, details pertaining to the destination road are still vague. Along with major economies, China also missed a deadline for July 30 for submitting new climate pledges directed toward the United Nations. The deadline may change at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties. The Chinese President Xi Jinping is reported to have received a personal invitation to come to COP26, however has not affirmed his attendance.

Before formally handing-in China’s national climate goals at the COP26, which is expected to start on Oct. 31, is a pivotal step for Beijing which now appears to be ready. Many analysts are expecting even more things on how this will be approached and reached, with key targets being all of China’s provinces and sectors. To accomplish its 2060 net-zero carbon emissions targets, various analysts are expecting that China may need a complete transformation of how energy is being developed and distributed.

Despite the rising tensions from the international community, China is insisting on charting its own approach toward net-zero emissions and is expected to continue on the road. Authorities have suggested that the Coal-fired plants may likely get banned by the year 2025. The country’s five-year plan is still expected to include support for carbon-intensive coal industries. The twin goals for economic growth and energy security are expected to drive push for the Chinese economy to get some discretion in meeting their targets. Yet, China has been investing heavily in clean and renewable energy as the country is working toward its target for carbon emissions to reach its peak by 2030.