Target: Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
Goal: Stop enabling China’s use of developing country designation to offset climate responsibilities.
As scientists affirmed that record-setting heat waves would be impossible without human-induced climate change, a meeting between the world’s two biggest polluters concerning the climate crisis yielded little in the way of productivity. Representatives from the United States and China engaged in talks and promised more future talks, but no actionable plans or promises of partnership in tackling the world’s most existential emergency were made. Much of this lack of progress is because of the two nations’ contentious and adversarial relationship, but another major roadblock rests in China’s perceived status as a developing country.
China joins the United States in producing the most annual carbon emissions in a year: a testament to its strong industrial presence. Coal plants in particular are continuing to crop up in the country at a rapid pace. China has also established itself as the planet’s second- strongest economic force. Despite its massive power and influence, the nation is still classified as a developing country by the World Bank and the United Nations. It has leveraged this designation to get trade privileges and, more critically, to offset its responsibilities in mitigating the climate crisis. State media reports have said, “developed countries should take the lead in reducing emissions and fulfill their financial commitments as soon as possible while developing countries should make contributions within their capacity.”
Sign the petition below to demand the UN stop giving this top polluter cover for its inaction that will harm all living beings on Earth.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary-General Grynspan,
China’s capacity for making meaningful strides in the climate crisis is almost unimaginable, and its record-setting summer of consecutive 100-plus degree days, depleted reservoirs, withering crops, and failing power grids should be more than enough incentive for change. Yet this nation routinely refuses calls to strengthen and accelerate its carbon neutrality targets. Representatives have claimed “the path, method, pace and intensity to achieve this goal should and must be determined by ourselves and will never be influenced by others.”
But global partnership is essential, and the active participation of both nations responsible for nearly half of the world’s collective carbon emissions is even more urgent. The United Nations can and should help spur the necessary action by revising China’s designation as a developing country. The fact that the nation with one of the world’s most robust and powerful economies can hide behind this status and put the onus for needed change on others is unfair and deeply harmful to the overall mission.
China needs to take ownership and responsibility for its very prominent role in the climate crisis. With decisive action, it can be a leader in this fight. Please help realize this potential for the sake of the entire world.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: 螺钉
