By Wang Gaofei, Liu Muqi
(ECNS) — China's renewable energy technology provides a real opportunity for the world to accelerate decarbonization, Laura Clarke, chief executive officer of ClientEarth, said during the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31).
Speaking to China News Service on Tuesday at the China Pavilion, a side event of the COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, Clarke described China as "an extraordinary producer of renewable energy technology" and highlighted the potential for further cooperation on environmental protection.
Clarke praised China's continued progress in building an ecological civilization, saying it was "really remarkable" to see the advances made year after year.
Looking ahead, Clarke emphasized the importance of sharing "best practice and expertise" and said ClientEarth is interested in working with China on climate action.
She also pointed to opportunities for cooperation on green technology, while stressing that the transition must take environmental and social considerations into account.
On China's environmental achievements, Clarke said the country had made "real progress," with the law playing a significant role.
She highlighted China's system of environmental public interest litigation as a means of ensuring that environmental standards are properly implemented and enforced.
Clarke said ClientEarth has supported efforts to strengthen environmental enforcement, tackle pollution and protect nature.
She stressed that putting laws and regulations in place was only part of the solution and ensuring their effective implementation was equally important. In this regard, she pointed to the role of public interest environmental prosecutors and environmental courts.
On cooperation between developed and developing countries, Clarke called for stronger collaboration through trade agreements, the sharing of expertise and best practice, and mutual support in meeting environmental and climate commitments.
More than a decade after the Paris Agreement, she said, countries need to step up efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, triple renewable energy capacity and electrify their economies.
She stressed that the energy transition must also protect nature, the environment and local communities, and be carried out "with and for people."
Recalling her visits to China, Clarke said attending the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development, where Chinese and international experts discussed ways to achieve China's environmental and climate objectives.
She said ClientEarth was pleased to work alongside Chinese authorities and civil society and saw further opportunities for cooperation on climate adaptation and resilience.
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