Trump has also pledged to implement a comprehensive and transformative shift in the United States’ energy policy, focusing on significantly increasing domestic oil and gas production, which currently stands as the largest in the world, bolstering national energy independence and economic growth.
“Everybody’s concerned about next steps … whether after the U.S. election, U.S. climate policy will or won’t change,” said Liu, expressing the prevailing apprehensions among international attendees. “But most colleagues [here at COP] still feel that regardless if a country’s climate policy changes or doesn’t change, international multilateral climate cooperation should continue to thrive and adapt.”
China, recognized as the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, has engaged in cooperative dialogues with the Biden administration, even against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions. Liu and his U.S. counterpart John Podesta partook in crucial discussions in September ahead of COP29, addressing mutual concerns and collaborative strategies.
Other Chinese diplomats were also voicing their apprehensions about a potential Trump presidency on Monday. Foreign Ministry Deputy Head of European Affairs, Cao Lei, remarked that the upcoming election might represent “the turning point of [our] times,” highlighting the critical nature of this political juncture as reported by the South China Morning Post.
“No one wants to return to the law of the jungle, no one wants to go back to the era of confrontation and the Cold War, and no one wants to return to unilateral hegemony. This is the backdrop that China-EU relations are facing,” Cao articulated, stressing the importance of diplomatic cooperation in navigating future challenges.
Despite Trump’s anticipated victory, the U.S. delegation in Baku was actively seeking to exert pressure on China to enhance its commitments and actions in tackling its own emissions, underscoring the complex dynamics of global climate politics.
Podesta noted in a press conference on Monday that China has its own work to do on climate, emphasizing the need for the country to take further action. He projected expectations for China to present a new climate target that improves upon its existing aim to halt the growth of greenhouse gas emissions around the year 2030.
China’s economy has “really already peaked emissions,” Podesta pointed out. “They can be more ambitious. I think it will send a powerful signal to the world,” he concluded, advocating for heightened climate aspirations from the Chinese government.
**Interview with Energy Policy Expert Dr. Emily Tan**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Tan. Thanks for joining us today to discuss the implications of Trump’s proposed energy policy and its impact on international climate cooperation.
**Dr. Tan:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical topic, especially as we navigate these complex global dynamics.
**Editor:** Trump has pledged to transform U.S. energy policy by increasing domestic oil and gas production. How do you see this affecting America’s role in international climate discussions?
**Dr. Tan:** Well, ramping up fossil fuel production could certainly put the U.S. at odds with international climate goals. While it may bolster national energy independence and economic growth in the short term, it conflicts with the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially considering the urgent need to combat climate change.
**Editor:** Liu mentions concerns about whether U.S. climate policy will change following the elections. Do you think these concerns are valid?
**Dr. Tan:** Absolutely. There’s a lot of uncertainty depending on the election results. If Trump were to win, we might see a significant shift away from current commitments. However, regardless of which direction the U.S. heads, Liu’s point about the importance of continuing multilateral cooperation holds true. Climate change is a global issue that requires collective action.
**Editor:** As we look at the international aspect, how is China’s engagement in climate negotiations significant, especially given their status as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases?
**Dr. Tan:** China’s engagement is crucial. Despite being the largest emitter, China has shown interest in dialogue with the Biden administration. This kind of cooperative dialogue is essential, as it sets a precedent for other major economies to collaborate on climate solutions. The path forward needs to involve cooperation, even if policy directions from the U.S. shift dramatically.
**Editor:** What steps can international attendees of COP take to ensure that climate cooperation continues despite potential shifts in U.S. policy?
**Dr. Tan:** They should focus on strengthening bilateral and multilateral agreements that transcend any single nation’s policy shifts. By fostering partnerships and developing comprehensive frameworks for climate action, nations can uphold their commitments to addressing climate change effectively, regardless of political changes within the U.S.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Tan, for your insights on this crucial matter. It certainly sounds like the future of climate cooperation will depend on the ability of countries to work together, no matter the political landscape.
**Dr. Tan:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this, and I hope for effective collaboration moving forward.
