China is responsible for 28 per cent of the world’s global emissions and has seen CO2 levels rise in the past two years, and even though those emissions dropped by 25 per cent during the pandemic, they had returned to previous level by June. While many nations are making moves towards renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and tidal, China turned its coal-fired power plants back on. But in a somewhat surprise move, China’s president, Xi Jinping spoke to the UN general assembly this week to announce that the country is making a significant step in the fight against climate change. Xi said that the country would aim for its emissions to peak in the next decade and that by 2060 it would be completely carbon neutral. “China will scale up its intended nationally determined contributions [under the Paris climate agreement] by adopting more vigorous policies and measures,” the president said. “We call on all countries to pursue innovative, coordinated, green and open development for all, seize the historic opportunities presented by the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, achieve a green recovery of the world economy in the post-Covid era and thus create a powerful force driving sustainable development.” It is thought that the move from China will put pressure on the United States to make similar commitments, though President Trump remains on course to pull the country out of the Paris Agreement.