Fred Teng: Climate Leadership Uncertainty -The US at a Crossroads
November 18 , 2024
By Fred S. Teng, a Senior Council Member at the Center for China and Globalization(CCG)，President of the America China Public Affairs Institute.
As the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) convenes in Baku, Azerbaijan, the global community stands at a pivotal moment in its fight against climate change. For years, international climate negotiations have hinged on the cooperation of the two largest emitters: the United States and China. While China has steadily expanded its renewable energy capacity and strengthened its global influence in climate policy, the United States faces a credibility crisis as political volatility continues to undermine its leadership.
The specter of the United States potentially withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement under a returning Trump administration casts a shadow over the conference. This uncertainty not only risks derailing global climate progress but also leaves many questioning America’s role in the collective effort to address the most urgent crisis of our time.
The Weight of Whiplash
The United States’ commitment to international climate efforts has been marked by a series of dramatic reversals. In 2015, under President Barack Obama, the US played a pivotal role in securing the Paris Agreement, a landmark accord in which nearly 200 countries committed to limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. This was hailed as a triumph of diplomacy, symbolizing unity against a common threat.
However, less than two years later, the Trump administration announced the United States’ withdrawal from the agreement, citing concerns over economic sovereignty. This move sent shockwaves through the international community, signaling a retreat from global climate diplomacy. When President Joe Biden re-entered the agreement in 2021, hopes were rekindled, but the damage to US credibility lingered.
Now, with the prospect of another US withdrawal looming, the international community faces the prospect of further instability. A second exit from the Paris Agreement would not only erode trust but also weaken the collaborative framework needed to achieve global climate goals. The United States’ wavering commitment undermines its ability to lead by example, a role it once embraced with vigor.
The Global Implications of US Inconsistency
The stakes are particularly high at COP29, where countries are negotiating financial commitments for post-2025 climate action. Developing nations, which are often the most vulnerable to climate change, depend on the resources promised by wealthier countries to transition to renewable energy and build resilience against climate impacts. These financial pledges are critical to bridging the gap between ambition and action.
Yet, the United States’ credibility as a financial and diplomatic leader has been diminished. Other nations are left to question whether the US can be relied upon to honor long-term commitments. This uncertainty creates a vacuum that other global powers are beginning to fill.
China’s Steady Rise in Climate Leadership
While the United States grapples with its internal challenges, China has emerged as a dominant force in renewable energy and climate diplomacy. Over the past decade, China has invested heavily in solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and electric vehicles, becoming the world’s largest manufacturer in each of these sectors. It has also met its 2030 wind and solar energy targets six years ahead of schedule and is on track to peak its carbon emissions sooner than anticipated.
China’s achievements have not gone unnoticed at COP29, where many nations view it as a reliable partner in the transition to a greener future. While questions remain about China’s role in contributing to international climate finance, its consistent focus on renewable energy has made it a natural leader in the global effort to combat climate change.
The Path Forward for the United States
For the United States to regain its position as a global climate leader, it must prioritize consistency and ambition. Rebuilding trust requires not only staying in international agreements but also demonstrating tangible progress at home. This includes doubling down on renewable energy investments, accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, and enacting policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors.
Additionally, the United States must fulfill its financial commitments to developing nations. This is not merely a matter of diplomacy but of equity. As one of the largest historical emitters, the US has a moral and practical obligation to support countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Meeting these commitments would signal that the US is serious about its responsibilities, both as a leader and as a partner.
A Call for Bipartisan Unity
Domestic politics poses one of the greatest challenges to US climate leadership. The whiplash between administrations highlights the need for bipartisan support for climate action. Establishing durable policies that transcend party lines is critical to ensuring that the United States remains a reliable player on the global stage.
The climate crisis is not a partisan issue – it is a global one. Both parties must recognize that investing in renewable energy, strengthening infrastructure, and reducing emissions are not only environmental imperatives but also opportunities to drive economic growth and innovation.
A Moment for Reflection and Action
COP29 is more than a conference; it is a reflection of the world’s collective effort to address an existential threat. For the United States, it is a chance to recommit to global leadership and demonstrate that it can be a dependable ally in the fight against climate change. The path forward requires more than rhetoric; it demands action, consistency, and collaboration.
The decisions made in Baku will shape the trajectory of climate action for years to come. As the world watches, the United States has an opportunity to prove that it can rise to the challenge. By embracing its role as a leader and partner, the US can help chart a course toward a sustainable and equitable future for all. The time to act is now.
Fred Teng is President of AmericaChina, he is also an Honorary Fellow of the Foreign Policy Association, Senior Advisor to the China-United States Exchange Foundation, Executive Council Member of the Center for China and Globalization, and Visiting Professor of the School of International Studies, Sichuan University.
From FINANCIAL TIMES, 2024-11-16
