Photo: IC

The recent deadly floods in Spain have once again raised the alarm about climate change. As global climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of extreme weather events are on the rise, and the worst flooding in Spain in decades serves as a stark reminder of this trend. 

This disaster represents not only a significant test for Spain but also a severe challenge to the global community's ability to cooperate and respond effectively to climate change.

Indeed, climate change has emerged as a critical global concern, prompting governments and international organizations worldwide to set emission reduction targets to mitigate global warming. 

However, the UN's annual Emissions Gap report, released in late October, found that the world faces up to 3.1 C of warming above pre-industrial levels by 2100 if governments do not take greater action on slashing planet-warming emissions. This situation is largely due to insufficient global cooperation.

While some countries, in response to the pressing challenge of climate change, have proactively strengthened international collaboration to promote a green transition, others have taken a misguided approach by imposing trade barriers and technological restrictions on green products from other nations. This not only undermines global climate governance but may also exacerbate the climate crisis.

Despite ongoing trade disputes between China and the EU over electric vehicles (EVs), China is still actively pursuing green partnerships with the EU through countries like Spain. During Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's visit to Beijing in September, the Chinese wind turbine giant Envision Energy agreed to collaborate with the Spanish government and invest $1 billion to build a green hydrogen industrial park. 

This investment underscores the influence and active participation of Chinese companies in the global green energy sector, while also helping Spain enhance its utilization of renewable energy. This mutually beneficial cooperation model is precisely what is needed for a successful global green transition.

In contrast, some Western countries display a contradictory stance on climate change. While they vocally emphasize the urgency and severity of the crisis, calling for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the planet, they use excuses like "overcapacity" and "unfair competition" as a shield, applying double standards and attempting to hinder the development of the global green industrial chain.

For instance, the European Commission on Tuesday announced the imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. The decision sparked strong opposition from within the EU and key industry stakeholders, as it not only hampers the EU's own efforts to achieve its green goals but also destabilizes the global green supply chain, ultimately slowing the pace of the global green transformation.

Specifically, with higher tariffs on Chinese EVs, Germany's goal of putting 15 million EVs on the road by 2030 faces significant challenges. According to an analysis commissioned by transport policy think tank Agora Verkehrswende, without cooperation with China and improved regulations and incentives, Germany's goal could be missed by up to 6 million vehicles. 

It has been found that a joint effort involving domestic policy changes and the inclusion of Chinese carmakers is necessary to achieve the target. High tariffs on Chinese imports would lead to increased prices for customers and negatively affect the competitiveness of German carmakers. This further underscores the crucial role of global cooperation in promoting the green transformation.

Climate change knows no borders, and the fates of nations are closely intertwined. If some countries prioritize their self-interests and cling to the outdated economic systems through unfair practices, the global green transition will be significantly hindered. 

Therefore, to address the urgent threat posed by climate change, it is essential for nations to abandon double standards and foster mutual support and collaborative development in pursuit of a sustainable future. Effective solutions to this climate challenge can only be achieved through genuine cooperation and solidarity among countries.