Experts say China’s emissions target is too late to meet the crucial 1.5C global heating limit

China has unveiled its long-anticipated national climate plan ahead of the crucial Cop26 climate summit, but experts have expressed disappointment over its lack of progress in addressing global heating. The plan, published just days before the UN talks, shows little advancement on previous emissions targets.

According to the new plan, China’s carbon emissions are expected to peak by 2030 and drop to net zero by 2060. However, experts argue that this timeline is too delayed to meet the key goal of keeping global temperature rise below 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, a central objective of the ongoing climate talks.

The submission, sent to the UN by Li Gao, the director general of the climate change department at China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, has left climate advocates and negotiators concerned about the pace of necessary global action.