China announced fresh climate commitments at a UN summit on September 24, pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7%-10% from their peak by 2035. President Xi Jinping made the announcement via video link from Beijing, adding that the country would expand wind and solar capacity sixfold within the next decade, raising non-fossil fuels to over 30% of domestic energy use.
The pledge marked the first time the world’s largest emitter promised an actual reduction rather than slowing growth, though observers said the target was weaker than expected. Environmental groups had hoped for a 30% cut in line with...