John Kerry and Xie Zhenhua have jointly signed a statement at commits the US and China to cooperate in tackling climate change.

The US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and China Special Envoy for Climate Change will seek to “enhance” their respective actions and cooperating in multilateral processes, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

Both countries intend to develop, by COP 26 in Glasgow, their respective long-term strategies aimed at net-zero GHG emissions/carbon neutrality and take appropriate actions to maximise international investment and finance in support of the transition from carbon-intensive fossil fuel based energy to green, low-carbon and renewable energy in developing countries.

Furthermore, they will each implement the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbon production and consumption reflected in the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

Li Shuoof Greenpeace sounded an optimistic note at the announcement, saying: “The joint US-China climate statement highlights the unequivocal commitment of both countries to work together in addressing the climate crisis. It is a firm step towards cooperation amid great geopolitical challenges.”

However, the statement lacks fine detail, and whilst a positive first step is not yet the complete deal, a deal that might emerge during COP26.

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