Ban Ki-moon has called for “bold” announcements from national leaders at his climate change summit in New York this autumn. Greenpeace’s Li Shuo outlines a possible response from China.

With a little more than 100 days to go, countries are gearing up for Ban Ki-moon’s New York climate summit, the first climate convention of world leaders since Copenhagen and a meeting that aims to catalyse new commitments and mobilise political will.

It will also be the first time the new Chinese leadership steps onto the global climate stage, and its performance will doubtlessly be watched closely by observers. The climate “debut” of the Chinese leader – either president Xi Jinping or premier Li Keqiang is likely to attend – and the address he delivers at UN headquarters need careful preparation.

First off, the Chinese government should commit either Xi or Li to attending and communicate the decision as soon as possible. Confirming which national leader is going will send a clear and strong signal to the global community that the new administration is focused on climate change.

The New York summit also presents a valuable opportunity for China to elaborate on its recent domestic climate actions and to move them a step further. As Ban Ki-moon’s office briefed countries and observers last week in Bonn, the secretary-general expects “bold” and “forward looking” announcements from national leaders. China is in a good position to take on his challenge and show leadership at the summit.

Reinforcing China’s commitment to a global climate-change agreement in 2015, providing further clarity on near term domestic plans and bringing concrete, ambitious, and additional offers to the table should be three essential components of the package Xi or Li takes to New York.

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