The political relationship between the United Kingdom and China has significantly cooled since the “golden era” of the mid-2010s. However, despite deteriorating diplomatic ties, cooperation in areas like climate policy has persisted. As the UK reevaluates its relationship with China, particularly under the context of an ongoing diplomatic “audit,” there exists both a need and an opportunity for the two nations to enhance their climate action efforts.

The role of joint climate initiatives is becoming increasingly important, particularly as climate multilateralism faces significant challenges. As global cooperation on climate action begins to fray, nations committed to tackling climate change must step forward and play a more prominent role in guiding international efforts. This paper explores the potential for strengthened UK-China climate cooperation and outlines key areas where collaborative work can be particularly fruitful.

The Case for UK-China Climate Collaboration

A key opportunity lies in the complementary strengths both countries bring to the climate challenge. The UK has long been recognized for its expertise in carbon budgeting and climate policy frameworks, while China has emerged as a leader in the rapid deployment of low-carbon technologies at an unprecedented scale. Together, the UK and China offer a powerful partnership in the global fight against climate change, making it all the more critical to maintain and expand this collaboration.

In addition to their technical capacities, the UK and China have a history of working together on climate-related research, particularly in climate risk assessment. This foundation sets a strong precedent for future cooperation, especially as both countries pursue ambitious decarbonization goals and strategies for climate adaptation. Their shared commitment to science-driven, evidence-based environmental policymaking further strengthens the potential for enduring collaboration on climate issues, even amidst broader political frictions.

For instance, the UK’s experience in regulating carbon emissions and implementing market-based mechanisms such as carbon trading schemes could complement China’s rapid industrialization and progress on green technologies. China’s leadership in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, offers valuable insights into scaling up solutions that can be applied in the UK’s efforts to transition towards net-zero emissions. By merging these strengths, both countries can help bridge the gap between developing and developed nations in terms of sustainable practices.

Fostering Climate Cooperation Amid Political Tensions

One area that could remain insulated from broader political disagreements between the UK and China is climate change. Given the mutual understanding of the importance of climate action, both nations have the opportunity to set aside political tensions and prioritize joint efforts to combat climate change. The UK government’s commitment to maintaining collaboration on climate during the January 2025 visit by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to Beijing serves as a promising sign that climate cooperation remains a priority, regardless of the broader diplomatic landscape.

In practice, this means the UK and China could lead by example, forging a path of collaboration that emphasizes shared goals, such as reducing global carbon emissions and enhancing climate resilience. These joint efforts may also inspire other countries, particularly those in the Global South, to strengthen their own climate actions and work together on innovative solutions.

As the global community grapples with the long-term effects of climate change, the collaboration between the UK and China could serve as a model for how large economies with complex political relations can nonetheless come together on shared environmental concerns. This model of climate cooperation can help shift the focus from political divisions to the collective good of the planet.

Conclusion: A Shared Agenda for Climate Action

Looking ahead, a focused agenda for UK-China climate cooperation could yield significant benefits for both countries and the global community. Areas of emphasis might include:

• Carbon budgeting and financial mechanisms for climate action.
• Research and development of low-carbon technologies.
• Climate risk assessment and collaborative adaptation strategies.

Additionally, climate cooperation should not only be seen as a matter of bilateral benefit but as an essential contribution to the global effort to mitigate the effects of climate change. As we face an increasingly uncertain climate future, it is crucial that nations like the UK and China continue to lead the way through strong and focused collaboration, setting an example for the rest of the world. By doing so, they can overcome diplomatic challenges and ensure that the climate crisis is addressed with the urgency and collective commitment it requires.