China to go carbon neutral by 2060

With China currently the world's biggest carbon emitter, responsible for 28% of the world's emissions, this is a big deal. Speaking by videolink, Mr Xi called on all nations to aim for a green recovery in the world economy in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

Two out of three of the world's biggest emitters (China and the EU) have now made their pledges to reduce their emissions. Only the United States has yet to make any announcements on plans to reach zero emissions. Under President Trump, the US is due to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change on 4 November 2020, just days after the US Presidential election.

Addressing the UN General Assembly before Mr Xi, President Trump used his speech to attack China for causing the coronavirus pandemic and criticised its record on pollution and carbon emissions. He made no environmental commitments on behalf of the United States in his speech.

Photo: Chongqing, China.

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