Overview
- Xi Jinping announced at a UN climate leaders’ event on September 24 that China will cut economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 7–10% below peak levels by 2035.
- The commitment is slated for China’s 2035 nationally determined contribution, which has not yet been formally submitted in full.
- For the first time, China says the target covers all greenhouse gases rather than only carbon dioxide.
- Expert reaction has been largely critical, with analysts saying a 1.5°C-aligned path would require reductions closer to about 30% from a defined baseline.
- The unclear definition of “peak” leaves the real ambition uncertain and was a central issue in a Carbon Brief webinar convened to assess the pledge ahead of COP30.