Abstract:

This paper summarizes the key points of “Emirates Consensus” in the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and analyzes the four declarations related to energy transition, focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency, cooling, nuclear power, and green hydrogen. It emphasizes China’s role as a leader and a great contributor to global energy transition and COP28. It concludes that there are still some intense disagreements and conflicts such as the phase-out of fossil fuels and coal-fired power generation, the reduction of emissions in the power sector, earlier emissions peaking, and non-CO₂ greenhouse gases like methane, which will be the hard-debating and hot key-points in the coming negotiations. It is recommended that China further enhance national-level coordination and advance systematic planning, accelerate the energy supply and consumption revolution, actively and prudently promote carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, engage in global climate and energy governance, and expedite the development of China’s climate and energy transition negotiation team.

Key words: COP28, Energy transition, Transition away from fossil fuels, Global climate and energy governance