- China is considering a bid to host the 2028 UN climate talks, according to sources familiar with the matter.
- Beijing has not yet made a final decision regarding the proposal for the COP33 summit, and there is no clear timeline for doing so.
- The UNFCCC secretariat has stated it has not been informed of a nomination for COP33 host.
- India withdrew its offer to host COP33 in April without specifying a reason.
- South Korea has previously expressed interest in hosting the conference.
- The 2028 summit is scheduled for the Asia-Pacific region, following COP31 in Turkey and COP32 in Ethiopia.
- Hosting UN climate talks could boost China's credentials as a climate leader, as it is a major exporter of green technologies.
- China is the world's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, followed by the United States, India, and the European Union.
- China has declared its intention to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and aims to reduce total emissions by 7-10% by 2035 compared to peak levels.
China is considering a bid to host the 2028 UN Climate Change Conference (COP33), as it seeks to enhance its image as a climate leader.1
The decision comes after India withdrew its offer to host the summit in April, leaving the Asia-Pacific region without a candidate.4
Sources indicate that no final decision has been made in Beijing, and there is no clear timeline for when one might occur.
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has not received any official nomination from the Asia-Pacific Regional Group, which must first consult to determine a host country.
Hosting the summit could bolster China’s credentials as a leader in combating climate change, especially as it is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
Despite pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, China aims for only a modest 7-10% reduction in emissions by 2035 compared to peak levels.9
The dynamics of US-China relations are also a factor, as climate cooperation has been a significant aspect of their bilateral relationship.
The summit is expected to take place shortly after the 2028 U.S. presidential election, which could influence the potential for renewed collaboration between the two nations.
The annual UN climate conferences rotate by region, with COP31 in Turkey and COP32 in Ethiopia before the 2028 event.
Alden Meyer from the climate change think tank E3G noted, "The dynamics between the US and China have been a force for both progress and tension over the 35-year history of the climate regime."
“The 2028 summit is slated for the Asia-Pacific region, with COP31 in Turkey and COP32 in Ethiopia. India withdrew its offer in April, and South Korea has also expressed interest, while the UNFCCC says it has not yet received a nomination.”
