Trump surrenders leadership to Beijing in fight for climate

The US president announced the withdrawal of his country from the Paris Accord, as it impoverishes and reduces millions of jobs. Li Keqiang promises compliance with the international agreement and rules. Beijing's interests. The "energy transition" is an opportunity to expand the market. China and Europe allied.   

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) – Criticism and negative comments are mounting after the announcement of the US withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, last night by US President Donald Trump multiply. Several comments have (hopefully) pointed out that China will lead the ecological battle for the planet's salvation.

Trump rejected the agreement signed by 190 nations because it disadvantageous and impoverishes the US. In yesterday's announcement, he said the deal would cost US $ 3 billion in gross domestic product and 6.5 million jobs, while the deal would favor China and India, which, being considered as developing countries, are treated much more favorably.

The Republicans and industrial entrepreneurs in the US praised Trump's courage, but other entrepreneurs, engaged in the pursuit of clean energy and electric cars, have flagged the decision as "not good for America or the world."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke of "serious disappointment", and the European Union of "a sad day for the world".

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said that "there is not only disappointment, but also anger" towards Trump's decision.

In what everyone thinks of a "withdrawal of the United States from world leadership," the world seeks a new landmark and a new source of resources. Christiana Figueres, UN representative for the climate from 2010 to 2016, said at a news conference today: "If the United States is not with us ... then China could be our leader."

"It's not what China needs to do, not what the US is pushing China to do, but what China is willing to do."

For years, considered an ecological pariah because of its high pollution, China has been fighting for years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to reduce the use of coal in energy production. Beijing is also investing huge capital into the development of green energy and alternative energy sources.

In a recent meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and today with the European Commission, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has said that he "will not backtrack" from the Paris agreement and the "energy transition".

"China - Li said - always defends multilateral rules, including the rules of the World Trade Organization. Without rules this world would be a jungle. "

There are, however, skeptical voices about Beijing's new leadership. Jia Qingguo, an international relations expert at Beijing University, points out that "China will do things that match its interests and capabilities. It has signed the agreement because it can safeguard its own interests and global interests. But China will address the problems of the environment and the climate according to its capabilities. " Indeed, as some economists suggest, the "energy transition" is also a great opportunity to open up new market sectors.

In the meeting that will end today between the European Union and China, it has already been decided that both parties will reduce the use of fossil energy and develop green energy. In addition, they will raise $ 100 billion a year, up to 2020, to help the poorest nations cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Paris Accords.

President Trump said he would be willing to re-negotiate a new agreement or to re-enter it if some aspects are improved. But the leaders of France, Germany and Italy have made a statement refusing a new negotiation of the agreement.

• China
• united states of america
• european union
• paris agreement
• ecology
• environment
• pollution
• economy