Biden's top climate advisor visits China to push for stronger emission cuts

John Podesta is visiting China this week to urge the country to adopt more aggressive climate goals ahead of critical upcoming global climate negotiations.

Lisa Friedman reports for The New York Times.

In short:

• John Podesta will meet Chinese officials to press for greater emissions reductions.
• His visit comes before the November G20 summit, seen as a last chance to engage China on climate before U.S. elections.
• China's new climate targets are pivotal to maintaining the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Key quote:

“The Biden-Harris administration should not give away the farm simply to get Chairman Xi to comply with agreements they have already signed.”

— Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

Why this matters:

China's emissions drive global climate trends. Without stronger commitments from China, the world risks failing to keep global warming within safe limits.

Related:

• US and China work together to cut nitrous oxide emissions
• China's emissions of potent greenhouse gases surge over the past decade
• Coal plants grow despite global push for cleaner energy