Xi Jinping Announces China’s Emission Reduction Target: Commitment to Reduce Emissions by 7 to 10% in the Next Decade

As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China has pledged for the first time to set a clear emission reduction target. Chinese President Xi Jinping stated in a video address at the United Nations in New York that China will strive to reduce nationwide greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10% by 2035, and ‘strive to do better.’ This announcement comes at a time when the United States is weakening its climate commitments, with President Trump calling climate change a ‘hoax’ on Tuesday. However, some critics point out that China’s plan still falls short of what is needed to combat global climate change.