As the impacts of climate change intensify, the U.S. and China must shift focus to adaptation, with opportunities for cooperation through subnational partnerships and a competitive model to assist vulnerable nations. This approach offers a path forward for both countries to lead global efforts in climate action.

As 2025 approaches, the global climate crisis is set to intensify, and the global climate governance process may enter a period of hardship and turmoil. In the face of new challenges, developing countries must unite to protect our shared planet.

Recent developments threaten to undermine the UN’s multilateral governance platform, which could lead to a hollowing out or fragmentation in the Paris Agreement’s implementation. An intensified debate is coming over ideology, justice and responsibility.

Climate cooperation has been touted as an area of common interest for the U.S. and China - and the scientific work being done on the ground by scientists offers much to be shared between the two nations.

Coming out of the COP26 Summit, focus was on Xi Jinping’s absence at the summit, rather than on the shortcomings of major global powers in mitigating climate change - including those whose leaders showed up.

Global leaders are meeting now in Glasgow in one of the world’s largest ever summits regarding the climate. It’s a rare opportunity for the U.S. and China to set aside their disputes and focus on a critical shared goal.

China and the United States recently issued a joint declaration on climate action, bringing hope for one of humanity’s most pressing problems and adding momentum to the global low-carbon transition.

The country’s self-sufficiency rate has stayed at around 80 percent, but as it transitions to lower carbon, issues affecting energy security are becoming more prominent. Underlying these are structural problems, starting with high dependence on overseas energy.

I don’t know if it’s by accident or design but the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, and the G-20 Summit that preceded it in Rome, were scheduled around Halloween and the Day of the Dead. Most governments seem afraid to face the existential challenge of climate change and are more spooked by an army of highly-paid lobbyists than by an infinitely more powerful Mother Nature. At the same time, however, promising innovations coming from NGOs and a core of socially responsible companies offer a slim glimmer of sunshine amidst the gloom.

The United States has begun to consolidate a Western consensus in many respects, but its competitive perspective on global issues will eventually cost it credibility and appeal in the field of climate governance.