China says it ‘regrets’ climate crisis statement omission at G20

Beijing, Aug 2 (EFE).- China said Wednesday it regrets the lack of a G20 statement on the environment and climate change due to the introduction of geopolitical issues by some countries, and denied having backed down in its position on emission reduction and renewable energy.

The meeting, which concluded Monday in the Indian city of Chennai, achieved positive and balanced results through the signing of several documents on the matter, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman quoted by state agency Xinhua.

“Relevant reports are totally against the facts,” the spokesman said, referring to accusations by some media about China’s position at the meeting.

The country said it urged developed nations to “seriously assume their responsibilities and obligations” in the response to climate change.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said in 2020 that the country would reach its peak carbon emissions in 2030, followed by achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, amid growing global concerns about climate change.

The challenge between high economic growth and cutting carbon emissions complicates China’s environmental goals. The country is the world’s biggest polluter, with 28.5 percent of the global total in 2018, according to the Global Carbon Atlas. EFE

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