China Takes the Lead on Climate as Trump Steps Back

The bromance between US President Donald Trump and the world’s richest person, Elon Musk, brought upheaval to global politics and disrupted the flow of international trade. However, the relationship has already come to an end, with both expressing hatred toward each other. Their broken friendship is likely to be remembered as a force that caused significant disruption in the years to come. 

The Trump administration has made the decision to stop funding for developing countries, which will impact food security and global health. Trump has shown little interest in issues that support the lives of needy people and protect the environment. One of the best examples of this is the dissolution of USAID and the withdrawal of U.S. support from the Paris Agreement. Such initiatives by the Trump administration are benefiting China, providing it with an opportunity to dominate international trade and take the lead on climate change issues. 

In the name of “Making America Great Again,” Donald Trump is seeking benefits for America alone, which is not realistic in the realm of global politics and diplomacy. To maintain peace and prosperity, mutual benefit must be ensured for all countries within the world order. Climate change is a burning issue that demands immediate and major initiatives to mitigate global warming. Most countries have set deadlines and are taking steps toward carbon neutrality, except Donald Trump. Hopefully, the next president of the United States will resume climate initiatives. However, it sounds fake to Trump. His concerns revolve around immediate benefits rather than long-term gains and prosperity.

Renowned automobile companies are shifting their production from diesel engines to electric vehicles. However, the Trump administration prefers to maintain the status quo in the American automobile industry rather than promoting Elon Musk’s electric vehicles. The production and use of electric vehicles are crucial steps toward achieving carbon neutrality. This is the path to sustainability for the Earth and the environment, ultimately ensuring the survival of humankind and other living creatures. However, Trump’s concerns are limited to sustaining American automobile companies. His conservative stance on carbon neutrality and his short-term profit-seeking approach have also negatively impacted Tesla, a company supported by one of his election campaign followers. 

On the other side of the globe, China is showing serious commitment to carbon neutrality. On September 22, 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The Chinese government has set this deadline, joining other countries in their efforts to combat climate change. Chinese politicians, officials, and intellectuals are aware that the cost of climate inaction is higher than the cost of climate action.

According to the World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Global Climate 2023 report, 2023 was the warmest year on record, with global temperatures rising 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels. This unprecedented warming triggered heatwaves, wildfires, and floods. These severe consequences of climate change have resulted in significant economic and social impacts. The report emphasizes the urgent need for substantial investments in renewable energy and other climate action strategies to mitigate these escalating costs.

Internalizing the harsh consequences of climate change and the core principles of the 2015 Paris Agreement, China is taking meaningful initiatives for a better Earth and a better world. A year before the Paris Agreement, China announced its Energy Revolution Strategy, a comprehensive national plan aimed at reducing coal and fossil fuel consumption and transitioning toward cleaner and more secure energy sources.

Now, China is working to expand its cutting-edge technology and international partnerships through the Belt and Road Initiative. Domestically, it is rigorously promoting electric vehicles to help limit global warming in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Sales of new energy vehicles in China have continually increased over the past several years: 6.8 million were sold in 2022, followed by 9.5 million in 2023 and 12.5 million in 2024.

Beyond electric cars, China also massively expanded its subway network from 2008 to 2018, promoting electric trains. This initiative significantly reduced traffic congestion and ultimately contributed to lower carbon emissions.

In the present context, China appears more serious about addressing climate change than the United States. After four-year interregnum, Donald Trump had the opportunity to act on his appealing slogan - 'Make America Great Again.' However, Trump has not recognized that the Cold War mindset of domination is no longer effective. History, during and after the Cold War, has shown that trying to dominate nature does not make a country great. Political leaders worldwide must accept and drive global agendas such as climate change.