The Earth's rising temperatures and increasing frequency of extreme weather events are driving urgent global conversations. In a recent interview, Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), shared his insights on the current state of global climate governance, his impressions of China's green transformation, and the climate lessons the world can learn, as part of a series of high-level dialogues.

Recently, record-breaking heatwaves have scorched many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, with wildfires in the US and Europe, and critically low water levels in the Danube and Rhine rivers. The World Meteorological Organization reported in July that the El Niño phenomenon is expected to intensify, leading to more extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall. The UNFCCC secretariat is the UN body dedicated to supporting the global response to climate change, and its Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, recently visited China.

Where to start

When asked about his perspective on the increasingly frequent extreme weather, Stiell affirmed that the impacts of climate change are real and being felt globally, leaving no one unaffected. He shared a personal example from his home country of Grenada, a highly vulnerable region. Two years ago, Hurricane Beryl devastated his home island, Carriacou, damaging or destroying 98% of its buildings. While his family is safe, his parents only recently completed roof repairs, highlighting the long-term recovery challenges. He emphasized that such experiences are happening worldwide, with millions facing climate shocks including hurricanes, droughts, floods, fires, and heatwaves, all of which severely impact national economies and can trigger climate migration, food shortages, and security issues.

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Regarding his visit to China, Stiell’s goal was to discuss the objectives for climate negotiations by the end of the year and understand China's current priorities and concrete actions. He noted that the most compelling aspect is the real-world implementation, which is often more complex than abstract numbers. He felt a sense of vitality in China, observing that while he didn't have time to meet with private sector companies in Beijing, he did so in Hong Kong, where he saw strong market support for sustainable development, a pragmatic attitude, and a recognition of the immense opportunities. He was inspired by China's determination, focus, and effectiveness, as well as its long-term trajectory of consistent development.

Key turning point

Data shows that the global average temperature between 2011 and 2020 was about 1.09°C higher than in the 1850-1900 period, and the global sea level has risen by about 20 cm since 1901, with the rate accelerating in recent years. The UN has warned that warming could push ecosystems towards disastrous tipping points, threatening billions of people. The Paris Agreement aims to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2°C, and preferably to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. However, global climate governance faces a "dual deficit" of motivation and trust, complicated by geopolitical tensions, green technology competition, and funding shortfalls.

When asked about the prospects for the 1.5°C target, Stiell acknowledged a significant gap between current efforts and the goal. However, he expressed hope, noting that the world now possesses all the necessary tools and knows what to do, who should do it, and when. For the first time, the combined global climate action plans submitted by countries project a downward turn in the global carbon emissions curve, with a potential 12% decrease if all plans are implemented. While this is a positive step, he stressed that a 60% reduction is needed by 2035, indicating a long road ahead.

Historic turning point

Commenting on the trend of visiting world leaders test-driving Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), Stiell said that the best way to promote a new technology is to have influential leaders experience it. He noted that EVs have transitioned from a novelty to a top choice for many, driven in part by the energy crisis. He believes this trend will not only continue but accelerate. On the impact of the Middle East conflict, Stiell argued that its influence extends beyond the EV industry. The energy crisis has exposed the vulnerability of a global economy dependent on fossil fuels, with about 75% of countries being net importers of oil and gas. This has prompted governments to focus on energy security and the need to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, linking it to national security, economic competitiveness, and geopolitical stability. He sees this as a historic turning point, an opportunity to get everyone to accept that the only way to address these issues is to accelerate the energy transition away from fossil fuels.

China's leadership in climate multilateralism

In a speech at Tsinghua University in May 2026, Stiell stated that China is a "trailblazer" in climate multilateralism and that its climate leadership is more important than ever. He noted that the global energy transition is irreversible and that China has played a key role. On his assessment that the projected global temperature rise has been halved, Stiell explained that before the 2015 Paris Agreement, the projected warming was as high as 5°C. A decade later, this has been reduced by about half, demonstrating the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation. He credited China's critical role in securing the 2015 agreement and in actively driving necessary changes. He emphasized that the current phase requires a shift from negotiation to implementation, focusing on real-world economic transformation. He lauded China's "extraordinary" efforts and speed in decarbonization over the past decade, which has not only created jobs and economic opportunities in China but also driven down costs and innovation for the entire world, particularly in the solar, wind, and EV sectors.

Practical experience for other countries

Stiell outlined two key areas where China's experience is valuable for other nations. First, the political will at the highest level of leadership, which is clearly demonstrated in China's 2025 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). He noted that China's commitment to achieving its goals, often exceeding them, is a strong signal. Second, the ability to translate this political will into concrete actions, from investing in R&D for key technologies to scaling up innovations, developing domestic markets, and creating jobs. He believes China's development model provides a clear path for other countries to learn from.

From promises to action

Stiell agreed that the focus should now be on implementation, not just more promises. He highlighted China's role as a responsible major developing country that adheres to multilateralism and win-win cooperation. As examples, he pointed to the Serek wind farm in Kazakhstan, the Swak dam project in Kenya, and the Chancay Port in Peru, a smart, green port. China has signed over 50 South-South cooperation documents on climate change with more than 40 developing countries, providing tangible assistance. On the concept of "climate multilateralism," Stiell stated that it is a process where countries come together, build consensus, and move forward, and that China is a leader in this regard, setting a benchmark for others by contributing to both domestic progress and support for the Global South.

Action agenda for COP

Regarding the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly its green component, Stiell noted that significant funds have been directed to developing countries through the BRI, covering climate action and energy transition, exemplifying international cooperation within the Global South. He referenced the recent agreement at COP29 in Baku to set a new climate finance goal of mobilizing $300 billion per year by 2035, with a roadmap to reach $1.3 trillion annually. He pointed out that global renewable energy investment reached $2.1 trillion last year, compared to $1 trillion in fossil fuels, showing a clear shift. The challenge is that investment distribution is uneven, and the goal is to ensure all developing countries can access these opportunities for their own energy transition.

Ensuring no one is left behind

Stiell confirmed that the core principle of the Paris Agreement is to ensure that no country is left behind in the energy transition, acknowledging that different countries will have different paths. On the absence of a major power from the Paris Agreement, Stiell acknowledged that it is very unhelpful to have the world's largest economy step away from the climate process. However, based on past experience, he hopes the country will return. He reiterated that the remaining 194 signatories remain committed. He concluded by stating that a key focus for the upcoming COP in December will be an action agenda, and that including practical examples from China in this agenda would be a meaningful outcome.