By Kawê da Silva Veronezi, Lívia Tindade, Isabela Vanzin da Rocha and Cláudia Herte de Moraes, for NINJA Collaborative Coverage at COP26 

The United States and China are the countries that most pollute planet Earth. As great powers in the capitalist world, both have strong economies. However, economic development leads to consequences such as inequalities and damage to the natural environment.

 This happens because these countries, inserted in a context of high production in the capitalist system, seek large scales of manufacturing and development, using machines, systematization and exploitation of natural resources for their growth. This production format is standard in the business market, as well as in governments and nations for decades, accelerated and encouraged by the Industrial Revolution

 What is the price of technological and industrial advances carried out by the two great world powers?

 We know that the increase in CO2 emissions is one of the values that add to the bill. It seems to us that anything goes to sustain an economic model that is not accessible to everyone. However, activists and environmentalists call for urgent changes due to the disastrous consequences of this polluting mode of production.

 Measurements of global warming carried out in recent decades prove that the large emission of gases from human activities, especially by large corporations and countries in the North, causes serious systemic problems that affect countless populations around the globe

 In view of the globalization processes that we are going through and that have also transformed ways of living and working, how would these two countries that are considered world powers be concerned about collaborating with each other to curb climate change?

 With the climate emergency knocking on our doorstep, scientists are pointing out the need for urgent change before we are close to the extinction of the human species. According to data presented by the IPCC (International Panel Climate Change, known in Brazil as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), released three months prior to COP-26, there is no other option than to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 Due to ecological pressure, as well as social and environmental pressure, the two countries have recently declared that they are willing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are the cause of climate change. This may be a start, but we are already against the clock.

 US Special Envoy John Kerry calls the Summit “the last best chance for humanity to make major changes to mitigate climate change.” This is because expectations are high for bolder commitments to renewable energy sources and a low-carbon economy.

Promises before COP-26 

The leaders of the two great powers that emit the most carbon dioxide (CO2) have already announced their commitments to reduce emissions.

USA

Biden arrives at COP-26 without a national agreement to fight climate change. Its most ambitious proposal is by 2030 to reduce between 50% and 52% compared to 2005 levels.

A point that received criticism from experts was the fact that part of the program that penalized companies that did not bet on renewables was vetoed in Congress. As much as he wants to be different from former President Trump, he also arrives without legislation to advance these climate goals.

As much as the official speeches signal bolder actions, the UN secretary general, AntónioGuterres, foresees a negative scenario. “We are on the brink of the abyss and we need to be very careful with the next step. And the countries’ next step will take place at COP26, in Glasgow,” Guterres told Reuters, mentioning a possible political failure.

The mistrust, conflicts and geopolitical disputes between the great powers and the lack of more ambitious national measures are factors that corroborate this possible failure.

China

  • Até 2030 alcançar 25% de sua energia fornecida por fontes renováveis, aumentando em 9 anos 12% de produção limpa.

  • Até 2030 reduzir a intensidade de carbono em 60% e 65%, apostando na decisão de banir o carvão de seus processos.

  • Até 2060 alcançar a neutralização de carbono

  • By 2030 reach 25% of its energy supplied by renewable sources, increasing in 9 years 12% of clean production.
  • By 2030, reduce carbon intensity by 60% and 65%, betting on the decision to ban coal from its processes.
  • By 2060 achieve carbon neutralization

While in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Beijing reminds developed countries that they must “assume their historic responsibilities and continue to clearly lead the way in reducing emissions”, the new contribution generated a lot of criticism from experts who seem to be too shy by the urgency of change.

Li Shuo of Greenpeace China wrote on his Twitter that “the world cannot allow this to be the last word, and Beijing must develop implementation plans to ensure peak emissions before 2025.”

What remains for us is to hope that the dialogue with other Nations will build more efficient and practical global commitments to minimize climate effects due to human impact.

But the question remains: are the great powers prepared to give up their economic models for the benefit of the entire planet? Impossible to know, but it becomes increasingly clear that, without these steps of conciliation by the climate, coming from big polluters, our efforts may be in vain.

Do you want to delve into the subject? Check out the article “What if Neutralizing Carbon Emissions Isn’t Enough? KnowtheEffortto ‘Restore’ theClimate”

Translated by: Jacqueline Moreno – Catálogo de Tradutores