China has ruled out hosting the 2028 UN climate summit, a decision that leaves the field open for other Asian nations to step in. The move disappoints many who expected the world’s biggest emitter to take the lead, especially as the US under Donald Trump has vacated all forms of international cooperation on the climate. Al Gore, the former US vice-president, expressed disheartenment at the outcome, stating, "I would be very much in favour of that idea [of China hosting the summit]. It’s too bad." John Kerry, the former US secretary of state, noted that China is leaving the rest of the world behind in forging and using the low-carbon technologies of the future.
A Shift in Energy Power
China is undergoing an economic transformation from heavy coal dependence to becoming an "electro state," with renewable energy generation capacity now outstripping coal. Its greenhouse gas emissions appear to have declined slightly this year, while electric vehicle sales took off last month, making up nearly two-thirds of the market. Clean energy industries drove more than 90% of the country’s investment growth last year, positioning it as a formidable contender for the summit. Gareth Redmond-King, the international lead at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said that China’s position as an industrial powerhouse would have made it a significant host. He added, "They’re leading the world on investment, manufacture and deployment of clean energy tech, and their emissions have started to tick down." However, experts suggest the US electoral cycle likely influenced the decision, as the next presidential election occurs on 7 November 2028, just after the scheduled summit dates.
Uncertainty Over the Host
India considered offering to host the conference earlier this year but decided against it, partly because its coal use has been increasing despite exceeding renewable energy targets. Other countries mulling a bid include Uzbekistan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand, though no decision is likely at this year’s ongoing meeting in Turkey. The summit will include the "global stocktake," a mechanism that examines progress on cutting emissions in line with the goal of limiting global temperature rises to 1.5C. That limit is now certain to be surpassed, so experts say countries should try to minimise the temperature "overshoot" to avoid worse ravages from extreme weather. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change rules mean an Asian country should host in 2028, but the absence of a clear leader creates uncertainty. China seeks to be seen as a leader among developing countries but has been wary of stepping into the gap left by the US, which withdrew from the Paris agreement and its parent treaty.
