An Assessment of European Climate Diplomacy in Post-Covid World: A Case of Eu-China Green Cooperation

Abstract

Climate change is now a concern for all states worldwide, thus becoming an essential part of their foreign policies. Europe with its climate diplomacy, is promoting ambitious global climate actions and goals to pursue climate-neutral transformation. Through bilateral and multilateral measures the European Union is not only convincing its Member States to abide by the international climate agreements, but also encouraging major world emitters to reduce their pollutant emissions and contribute to the environmental protection. On the contrary, COVID-19 hit the world in such a crucial time when climate targets were to be made and implemented extensively, yet the states started focusing their economic growth putting climate agenda at back foot. Subsequently greenhouse gas emissions grew largely and climate agendas were postponed everywhere. However, Europe came up with explicit strategies in post-pandemic era which aligned economic retrieval with the green recovery, such as the European Green Deal. This research assesses European climate diplomatic actions in post-pandemic era in terms of how European Union is not only helping other states in boosting their economies in a sustainable manner, but also assisting them in green transition. Besides Europe, China is also becoming a vigilant actor in international climate negotiations. Being the world‘s largest greenhouse gas emitter and at the same time, the largest investor in renewable energy, China holds a significant position to impact the international community. This study explores the green cooperation between the European Union and China, as climate is a fundamental area of focus in their bilateral relationship. Against the backdrop of pandemic crisis, and certain geopolitical conflicts, this research argues that even if the outcomes still fall short of the goals made at the Paris Agreement, strong cooperation between the EU and China is essential for constructive climate actions. Although diverged political and economic interests exist, still there are plenty of possibilities and opportunities to collaborate in making the environment better. Therefore, the EU and China need to abide by their pledges of climate-neutrality and retain the responsibility of leading other states to the path of climate adaptation and mitigation.