China and the European Union have reinforced their commitment to tackling global environmental challenges through enhanced cooperation on climate change, biodiversity conservation, and plastic pollution control. This pledge was announced during a meeting between China’s Minister of Ecology and Environment, Huang Runqiu, and Teresa Ribera, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President, held on the margins of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia.
The discussions between Huang and Ribera centered on the China-EU High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue. They emphasized the need for effective communication and joint implementation of existing agreements to advance shared priorities. The talks also covered global biodiversity protection, negotiations for an international agreement on plastic pollution, and preparations for the upcoming 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).
During the meeting, Huang highlighted the constructive cooperation between China and the EU in environmental protection and climate action over the years. He pointed out the importance of continued collaboration to achieve tangible outcomes at COP17 and COP31, contributing to improved global environmental governance. Both parties expressed their commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to restore at least 30 percent of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
Ribera expressed her appreciation for China’s efforts in environmental protection and climate negotiations, underscoring the significance of maintaining dialogue and strengthening cooperation on these crucial issues. She affirmed the EU’s support for continued collaboration with China in tackling climate change, conserving biodiversity, and reducing plastic pollution.
This renewed commitment between China and the EU underscores the critical role of international cooperation in advancing global environmental agreements and fostering a sustainable future. Both sides are hopeful that their partnership will yield positive results in addressing pressing environmental concerns on a global scale.