The world today appears to be moving toward the shared goal of carbon neutrality. However, the recent actions of the top carbon-emitting nations, the United States and China, raise serious concerns. Their policies go beyond domestic agendas and threaten the entire global cooperative system.
1. America’s Return to Coal: A Step Back in Time
In April 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reviving the coal industry. Far beyond a mere deregulation move, this order directly contradicts the climate goals agreed upon by the international community.
The executive order includes the following key points:
- Reclassify coal as a “strategic mineral,” making it eligible for federal support.
- Two-year suspension of environmental regulations (including mercury and arsenic emissions) for over 70 power plants.
- Extended operation and reactivation of aging coal power plants.
- New fast-track licensing system to promote coal mining on federal land.
The key justification behind these measures is the notion of "U.S. energy independence and grid stability." However, strong political interests are clearly at play. Many of Trump's core supporters in Rust Belt states like Ohio and Pennsylvania still rely on the coal industry for their livelihoods. Although framed as a job protection measure, it is essentially a way of politically sustaining an outdated industry.
More importantly, the United States remains the second-largest CO₂ emitter in the world, accounting for about 14% of global emissions. Its policy regression not only affects domestic transitions but also weakens trust in international climate governance.
2. China’s Two-Faced Climate Strategy
China is the world’s largest carbon emitter, responsible for about 32% of global CO₂ emissions as of 2023. What’s surprising is that China is simultaneously investing in renewable energy and expanding coal power generation.
The Chinese government justifies this by citing skyrocketing energy demands due to AI data centers, EV industries, and rapid urbanization, framing it as an "energy security" issue. However, the reality is:
- In 2023 alone, China approved over 100 GW of new coal power plants, accounting for more than 85% of new coal capacity worldwide.
- Coastal cities demand greener energy, but inland provinces still rely heavily on coal-based industries, strongly supported by state-owned energy enterprises. As a result, the country is entrenching a coal-dependent energy system.
While dual investment in renewables and coal may seem practical in the short term, climate science tells us that cumulative emissions are what matter most. Ignoring this fact today means deciding a more unstable future tomorrow.
3. The Retreat of Climate Diplomacy and a Fracturing World Order
The more the U.S. and China diverge from carbon neutrality, the more climate diplomacy erodes and global governance descends into chaos.
The European Union has introduced the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to levy “climate tariffs” on high-carbon imports. This is not just about emissions—climate policy is now tightly linked to trade, diplomacy, and even national security.
Therefore, the regression of the U.S. and China is not just about emissions volume. These countries influence global policy norms, and their choices often set the standard that others follow.
4. While Giants Retreat, Small Nations Push Forward
As the world’s biggest polluters take steps backward, several smaller nations are pushing forward with proactive and creative strategies for carbon neutrality.
- Costa Rica: Generates about 98% of its electricity from hydropower, solar, and geothermal energy; early adoption of a carbon tax helped support forest protection and job creation.
- Denmark: Aims to cut emissions by 70% by 2030, with over half of its electricity already coming from wind power. The country is also advancing the “Energy Island” project to create a regional renewable power hub.
- Norway: As of 2024, over 90% of new car sales are electric vehicles. Aggressive subsidies and infrastructure support are rapidly decarbonizing the transport sector.
- Estonia: Has adopted a digitally integrated smart grid system to boost energy efficiency.
- Bhutan: Enshrined forest conservation in its constitution and has become a carbon-negative country.
Though small in geopolitical power, these nations serve as climate policy laboratories and offer valuable precedents for sustainable development.
5. A Small Light Can Guide the Way
“If the big countries don’t act, what’s the point of small ones doing it?” This skepticism sounds practical but is fundamentally flawed.
First, climate change respects no borders. Emissions from one country can trigger rising sea levels, heatwaves, or floods elsewhere. Every country’s participation matters.
Second, small nations’ experiments often become global models. Sweden’s carbon tax influenced OECD standards, while New Zealand’s agricultural carbon pricing set a precedent for EU discussions.
Third, carbon neutrality isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a strategic agenda that encompasses energy, economy, healthcare, technology, and even defense. Those leading this shift will own tomorrow’s competitive edge.
Conclusion: In the Climate Crisis, Leadership Is About Direction, Not Size
The backpedaling of the United States and China is deeply disappointing. Yet their decisions do not determine everything. In fact, it is the small but deliberate steps toward carbon neutrality that may reshape global cooperation.
Climate leadership is not defined by scale—it stems from accountability and action. That is what we must remember.
When small nations lead by example and citizens act with intention, we have the power to move the world in a better direction.
In an age of climate crisis, perhaps that’s what true leadership really means.
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