US, China come together to deal with climate challenges

• China said it would begin phasing out its coal consumption from 2026-30

• China pledged to cut its methane emissions as well

With only two days left of the COP26 climate summit, a surprise deal was made between China and the United States to deal with the increasing global warming.

U.S. climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua revealed a deal between the two countries, two biggest greenhouse gas emitters, on late Wednesday.

China, the biggest producer and user of coal, pledged to accelerate its transition from coal, according to the deal.

"Together we set out our support for a successful COP26, including certain elements which will promote ambition," Kerry told a news conference. 

"Every step matters right now, and we have a long journey ahead of us."

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Speaking through an interpreter, Xie told reporters, "Both sides will work jointly and with other parties to ensure a successful COP26 and to facilitate an outcome that is both ambitious and balanced."

Carbon emissions

China said in the joint declaration that the country would begin phasing out its coal consumption from 2026-30 and cut its methane emissions as well.

U.S.-China relations have worsened over the last several years as the former U.S. President Donald Trump levied many tariffs on the Asian country.

The deal between the two countries send a strong message, as delegates at COP26 have been worried that China had not made any significant pledges to reduce carbon emissions.

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Earlier the day, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a letter that China is willing to work with the United States to enhance cooperation between the countries.

According to some media reports, Biden and Xi are expected to hold a virtual meeting soon.

United States has also pledged to decarbonise by 2050, but President Joe Biden has not been able to pass important legislation due to political issues.

Picture Credits: Reuters