U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Talks Visits Beijing

John Kerry, the U.S. Special Envoy for Climate, is set to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in Beijing from July 16 to 19. They aim to discuss issues including reducing methane emissions, limiting coal use, decreasing deforestation, and assisting poorer countries in addressing climate change. According to Reuters, these talks follow the visit of two senior U.S. officials to China earlier this year. The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in the U.S., which provides financial incentives for domestic clean energy production, has heightened tensions as it aims to counter China's dominance in this area and revive U.S. manufacturing. While China has invested more in renewable energy than the rest of the world, it has returned to coal usage, raising major concerns for Washington. In 2022, China issued more new permits for coal power plants, which has increased U.S. worries according to reports from the 'Energy and Clean Air Research' and 'Global Energy Monitor' centers. China has stated it will achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, a goal some believe is too far off. Alden Meyer, a senior expert at the E3G think tank and a veteran climate negotiator, said, 'While the U.S. will raise the issue of halting new coal development, it is unlikely that China will provide any guarantees.' He added, 'Beijing is also likely to demand the removal of tariffs recently imposed by the U.S. on Chinese-made solar panels. The country may also oppose the proposed U.S. tax on imported steel and aluminum, which was imposed due to carbon emissions and harms Chinese exports.' Janet Yellen, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, during her visit to Beijing last month, called for contributions to the international climate fund, which was established by wealthy countries to assist poorer nations facing economic challenges due to climate change. The U.S. Treasury Secretary described her discussions with Chinese officials as constructive. The United Nations has stated that the global reduction in climate pollution is 'very inadequate.' The conclusion of the Glasgow climate summit saw countries agree on a pact to combat climate change, and the U.S. and China announced an agreement on climate action.