In its State of the Climate 2024 Update, the World Meteorological Organization once again sounded a warning on the pace of climate change. Released on November 11, coinciding with the 12-day UN Climate Change Conference's start in Baku, Azerbaijan, the report notes that 2024 is likely to become the hottest year on record, with the January-September global average temperature reaching 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The loss of ice from glaciers, sea level rise and ocean heating are accelerating, while extreme weather is wreaking havoc on communities and economies worldwide.

Against this backdrop, representatives from nearly 200 countries and regions gathered in Baku to further a unified global response. The clock is ticking to turn climate pledges into joint, impactful actions.

A consensus remains to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally at 1.5 degrees, above pre-industrial levels. Developed nations, responsible for a large share of greenhouse gas emissions, are expected to fund efforts in developing countries. The creation of a global carbon market is also on the agenda, intended to incentivize emissions reduction through "carbon credits" that countries can trade.

"All countries must do their part. But the Group of 20 (G20) must lead. They are the largest emitters, with the greatest capacities and responsibilities," UN Secretary General António Guterres said at the World Leaders Climate Action Summit held during the ongoing conference, also known as COP29, or the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The convention, which now enjoys near-universal membership, has been in force since 1994.

China is a member of the G20 major economies as well as a member of the developing world. The country has integrated environmental sustainability, which is essential to addressing climate change, into its development philosophy. The high-quality development that the country is committed to pursuing is built on principles of innovation, coordination, greenness, openness and inclusiveness. Sectors such as electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar and wind power equipment have flourished, all contributing to reduced carbon footprints and helping meet global emission reduction targets.

China also operates the world's largest national carbon trading market. Currently, this market includes 2,257 emitters from the power generation sector, with plans to expand coverage to other major industries, including cement, iron and steel, and electrolytic aluminum. China will continue its climate actions, recognizing that they are in the best interest of both the nation and the global community.