Annalena Baerbock, president of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), highlighted China's success in environmental protection and recovery as an important example for the world.
Baerbock visited China from April 29 to 30. In an interview with China Media Group during the visit, the UNGA president said she was deeply impressed by Beijing's air quality improvement, noting that its achievements in this area align with UN goals.
"It's also a symbol of what the UN is doing -- climate protections, environment protection, the roadway towards renewable energy, that not only we protect the climate, but also the health of people, and literally, that children can see, especially also in big cities, the blue sky again. And this was also this positive sign of hope just arriving here in Beijing, to see that innovation, going climate neutral, going towards renewable energy is a success story all around the world," she said.
The Chinese capital has cut its PM2.5 pollution levels by more than half over the past decade, transforming its once-smoggy skies into the celebrated "Beijing Blue".
On climate Change, Baerbock noted headwinds by UN environmental initiatives, as well as serious threats caused by climate change. She called for concerted efforts and innovative solutions to address the global issue, and stressed that the Chinese example could help reduce resistance to the green transition.
"It is important not only for the development in the country, but it's also important that countries lead around the world because unfortunately we know that we also have backlashes in commitments to reaching the Paris Agreement climate target and the national contributions. But the climate crisis is the biggest security threat for all of us around the world. We see that in small island states. They are literally going to die, because the island will vanish in the ocean for a sea level rise. We see it that thunderstorms, fires do not stop at the richest neighborhoods. So fighting the climate crisis is in the interest of all of us. Because CO2 doesn't have any passport, it doesn't stop at the national border," Baerbock said.
"So joining hands in this and again showing here also in China, I've been to a car production factory for electric cars, one of the new models, with really a long distance range for the batteries. Also showing here that it's not only about growth, it's also about innovation and research, which is beneficial if you join renewable energy together with artificial intelligence. And as I said, because unfortunately some are doubting the need for going renewable, it's very important that we see these success stories around the world," she said.
China now accounts for more than half of all global electric vehicle sales, driving record domestic adoption and a massive export surge that is rapidly reshaping the international auto industry.
UNGA president highlights China's environmental success
