The Role of China and India in Global Action to Prevent Climate Change

The article examines the climate policy of China and India as the main emitters of greenhouse gases. The question is whether their actions to reduce CO2 emissions are consistent with their contribution to the global warming. In their climate policy, they have come a long way from denying the very fact of taking on commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to recognizing their responsibility in the global fight against climate change, which reflects the dynamics of their economic development and the emergence of new trends in the process of globalization. The author defines the factors that influence the change in their approach to this problem, the solution of which involves the transition to green development, carried out mainly within the framework of energy transit. In this regard, India has weaker starting positions than China and less political and ideological motivation, which causes some differences in their climate policy. Its intermediate results are evaluated, which allows us to conclude that in their actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions they are guided mainly by their economic interests, and it determines the duality of their climate diplomacy. When implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they primarily count on their economic return. And, conversely, they avoid those actions that could harm the economy. Having made some progress in reducing their carbon and energy intensity, they have nevertheless been unable to halt the growth in greenhouse gas emissions, which will continue even in the medium term. However, given the continuing high demand for energy and the current clean technology base, China and India are not prepared to accelerate the green revolution. At the same time, according to the author, it would be unjustified to expect from them more aggressive actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.