Even before the official start of the 2025 climate conference in Belém (COP30), the Brazilian host is adding fuel to the fire. The president of the event, diplomat André Corrêa do Lago, spoke undiplomatically to journalists and accused the rich global north of a lack of enthusiasm in the fight against the climate crisis: “Somehow the decline in enthusiasm in the global north shows that the global south is moving. It’s not just this year, it’s been like this for years.”
André Corrêa do Lago at a pre-COP30 event.Image: keystone
Specifically, do Lago calls on rich countries to follow China’s example: “China is developing solutions that apply to everyone, not just to China.” China is a pioneer, especially when it comes to expanding renewable energy – which is a good thing when it comes to climate change.
Given that the majority of climate targets have so far been missed, that many measures are proving toothless and that humanity is heading towards 2.8 degrees of warming, the general criticism is appropriate. However, the data shows that differentiation is definitely necessary.
Expansion of renewables
When it comes to the expansion of renewables, Diplomat do Lago is stinging a hornet’s nest. In fact, China is in a league of its own here. The West cannot keep up with the explosive expansion of solar and wind power. In 2024, the Middle Kingdom installed about 1.5 times as much solar capacity as the rest of the world. Similar statistics can also be found for wind power.
Solar capacity in GW
Do Lagos’ comments are likely to be aimed primarily at the USA, where the Trump government is bullying the expansion of renewable energy as much as possible. Just recently advised US Energy Secretary Chris Wright urged European countries to continue relying on fossil fuels.
Wright worked in the fracking business before his career in the White House and denies climate change as a “hoax”.
CO2-Emissions
The accusation that the rich north is showing little enthusiasm in the fight against climate change must also be taken seriously. But when it comes to CO2-Emissions, the balance of power has shifted. In 2000, the richest countries were still by far responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions. The new frontrunners are now the countries with “upper middle incomes”, like it Our World in Data worded a bit awkwardly.
China, praised by do Lago, is responsible for a large part of the sharp increase in “upper middle-income countries”. India is also making a proud contribution. This shows the change in annual CO2-Emissions of the 20 largest CO2-producers in the world. Vietnam, Indonesia and Iran are probably responsible for the fact that emissions production has also risen sharply in “lower middle income” countries.
The 20 largest CO₂ producers in the world are responsible for 80 percent of all CO₂2-Production responsible.our world in data
The statistics of the change in CO2emissions shows that the richest countries in particular have succeeded in reducing greenhouse gas production. At the same time, countries like India and China have multiplied their emissions in recent years. Although the leader, Vietnam, has increased the most in percentage terms, it plays a less drastic role in absolute figures. But interestingly: Vietnam has left climate nerds Great Britain behind when it comes to emissions.
The 20 largest CO₂ producers in the world. Source: our world in data
It should not be forgotten that the richest countries are driving up emissions in countries such as China, India, Vietnam and Indonesia with their consumer behavior. And finally some good news: According to various experts China has passed the peak of its emissions. If not this year, then definitely next. However, it will no longer be enough to achieve the climate goals that were once sought.
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