Agree To Co-operate On Climate Change, China-USA: Reduce Methane Emissions, Protect Forests

Illustration of deforestation. (Wikimedia Commons/Hayden)

JAKARTA - The United States (US) and China, the world's two largest emitters of carbon dioxide, have launched an agreement to increase cooperation in tackling climate change, including by reducing methane emissions, protecting forests and phasing out coal.

The framework agreement announced by the US Presidential Special Envoy on Climate Issues John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua at the UN climate conference in Scotland, was cited by both as a way to steer the summit to success.

"Together we set out our support for a successful COP26, including certain elements that will promote ambition," Kerry said at a news conference.

"Every step is important at this time, and we have a long journey ahead of us," continued the US Secretary of State in the era of President Barack Obama.

Meanwhile, speaking through an interpreter, Xie told reporters the deal would see China strengthen its emission reduction targets and develop a national plan on methane. He also said both countries wanted to do more to stop deforestation.

"Both sides will work together and with others to ensure a successful COP26 and facilitate an ambitious and balanced outcome," Xie said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement between China and the United States.

"Tackling the climate crisis requires international collaboration and solidarity, and this is an important step in the right direction," Guterres wrote on Twitter.

The UK-hosted COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, aims to secure a pledge of net-zero carbon emissions and keep the Paris Agreement target of a 1.5 degree Celsius temperature rise within reach to curb the effects of global warming.

Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the UN meeting in person. Instead, last week he delivered a written statement at the opening section of the summit when leaders usually give speeches.

In it, he offered no additional promises, while urging countries to keep their promises and 'strengthen mutual trust and cooperation'.

Previously, Xi promised at the UN General Assembly in September that China would achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.