Last week, China and the United States released a joint statement agreeing to greenhouse gas reductions and accelerating renewable energy development. The announcement comes just a few weeks ahead of important climate talks at the COP28 in Dubai (New York Times, AP, Politico). As the world’s two largest polluters, these countries have agreed to restart talks on energy policies, despite growing geopolitical and economic tensions (AP). 

In the statement, China and the United States have agreed to “pursue efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally by 2030” as they shift away from fossil fuels (New York Times). The agreement also includes a commitment from China to address all non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases by 2035, marking a significant step toward the Paris Agreement's goals (Politico). This marks the first time China has agreed to specific emission reduction targets in any sector of its economy. However, the agreement did not include any commitments from China to phase out coal, a major source of its emissions (New York Times). Additionally, the United States and China said that they would host talks on methane and other greenhouse gases in Dubai with the United Arab Emirates (AP). Both countries “are aware of the important role they play” and “will work together . . . to rise up to one of the greatest challenges of our time," they said in the statement (AP). 

While the agreement received cautious praise, some experts noted the absence of firm targets and stronger declarations to phase out fossil fuels (Politico). The deal sets the stage for more substantive dialogue between the United States and China on energy policy, strategies, technologies, and broader climate actions.