中文
A view of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, January 31, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
By Lee Pei May
The United Nations has long called for nations to seriously undertake efforts to protect the environment. The underlying logic is that it is not possible to pursue growth at all costs, as research findings and predictive models indicate that the resulting pollution and greenhouse gases would eventually cause irreversible damage to the planet.
Thanks to the UN, which has steadily and persistently pushed for environmental protections, there is now a shared understanding that development must coincide with protecting the environment and supporting climate action.
Some important initiatives include the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which led to the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015. This agreement, joined by over 190 parties, is arguably the most important international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and established a shared consensus to limit the rise of global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius (preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius) above pre-industrial levels. Countries submitted their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) based on their capacity to meet the established commitments.
The Paris Agreement is more feasible than some of its predecessors as it recognizes that different countries have different abilities to combat climate change. Therefore, the agreement adheres to the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities," giving developing countries more flexibility in crafting their own climate goals and plans.
The UN also provides climate financing to help more vulnerable countries and those with fewer resources. Several climate funds operate under the UN climate system, notably the Green Climate Fund, the Special Climate Change Fund and the Least Developed Countries Fund. In 2023 alone, the Green Climate Fund disbursed over $930 million to finance approximately 110 projects.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have also emphasised preserving the environment and advancing climate action. Goal 14 focuses on Life Below Water, which is meant to "conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development." SDGs set by the UN not only influence how international organizations and businesses function, but are equally important in shaping national policies.
In addition to undertaking a two-decades-long campaign to push for the end of leaded petrol across the world, the UN has also done remarkably well safeguarding the ozone layer. The UN came up with the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase out ozone-depleting substances and is the only UN environmental agreement that has been ratified by every member state. Due to this effort, the ozone layer could repair itself, protecting humans and plants from direct sun damage.
While the UN is hailed as the preserver and protector of the environment, there are some countries that decided to back away from participating in UN initiatives. The formal withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Agreement set a bad precedent for other countries. As one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, the U.S. shedding its responsibility to collectively fight climate change meant that cumulative efforts by other nations will be offset by the U.S.'s own pollution and consumption.
On the other hand, China has demonstrated strong and continuous commitments to supporting the environmental goals of the UN. China pledged to reach its carbon peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. To achieve these commitments, China has massively invested in green energy, leading the production of solar panels and wind turbines. The nation has also rolled out programs to preserve biodiversity, fight pollution and avoid desertification.
Offshore wind turbines are reflected in the waters of Laizhou City, east China's Shandong Province, January 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Against this pessimistic backdrop of the U.S. retreating from global environmental governance, the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by China is timely and relevant. The GGI emphasises sovereign equality, international law, multilateralism, people-centred approaches and real actions which reflect the spirit of the UN Charter and the aspirations of the international community.
The GGI has been well-received by numerous countries, particularly developing nations, because it promotes a new form of governance, which is more just, equitable and inclusive. The GGI supports the multilateral approach advocated by the UN to solve global issues by centring on the people and taking real actions.
As the UN has great convening power to gather all its members to discuss environmental concerns, the GGI can guide the conduct of actions being taken. For instance, the GGI could harness China's climate funds to support the UN's SDGs. To date, China has made voluntary contributions to help developing countries address environmental issues, providing more than 177 billion yuan ($24.5 billion) since 2016.
Despite some countries being unwilling to shoulder shared responsibilities to address climate change, China has made bold commitments. Chinese President Xi Jinping's virtual address at the latest UN Climate Summit made headlines when he announced China's new climate plan, pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10 percent from peak levels by 2035.
While this effort is commendable, China cannot fight climate change alone. There should be a common consensus that it is the obligation of every person on the planet to protect the environment. Instead of backing down on meeting climate goals, countries should instead double down on meeting the UN climate targets.
Lee Pei May, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an assistant professor at the Department of Political Science, International Islamic University Malaysia.
