US climate envoy John Kerry is set to travel to China to restart climate talks
between the two biggest emitters of planet-warming gases. This will be Kerry's
third visit to China as President Joe Biden's climate emissary, and it comes
after a period of record-setting summer heat attributed to climate change.
The bilateral climate talks had stalled after a visit to Taiwan by Nancy
Pelosi, which angered Beijing. However, Kerry has maintained relatively
amicable relations with China despite other
contentious issues. The Biden administration sees climate as an area for
potential cooperation with China, even amidst other tensions.
Kerry aims to engage with Chinese officials to increase implementation and
ambition in fighting climate change and prepare for the UN climate talks in
November. China has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon
neutrality by 2060, but faces challenges, including energy constraints and
meeting ambitious targets amid economic and environmental factors.
Kerry's visit will be closely watched as he faces criticism from some US
lawmakers for flying a private jet to discuss climate issues with a political
adversary. |