China has pledged to speed up cuts to emissions with the aim of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060. The announcement made by President Xi Jinping at the 75th UN General Assembly surprised analysts. 

As the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, China has previously argued for a more relaxed timetable on meeting its climate goals.

Isabel Hilton, CEO of China Dialogue, an independent body concerned with China and the environment, told CGTN: "It's an encouraging sign in a sector [energy] that has been having a difficult year." 

While China's conversion to renewable and nuclear energy sources continues apace at home, Hilton warned: "China is now a very important development actor and what it does outside its borders is almost as important."

CLICK: OUR BREAKDOWN OF THE LATEST RULES ACROSS THE CONTINENT

Hilton welcomed China's commitment and highlighted the importance for global targets. 

"China is still very heavily dependent on coal. If China doesn't move quite radically, then the world has very little chance of meeting its 1.5 degree [Celsius] target," she said.

Under the framework set out by the 2016 Paris Agreement, China outlined plans to meet a peak in its emissions rate in 2030, before moving to a rapid subsequent fall in carbon output as the country moves towards renewable forms of energy consumption. 

More than 60 countries globally have committed to the goal of carbon neutrality within the next 30 years, which environmental scientists say is imperative if the world is to avoid a major climate crisis for future generations. 

Speaking by video link to the General Assembly in New York, President Xi stated: "Humankind can no longer afford to ignore the repeated warnings of nature."

Remember to sign up to Global Business Daily here to get our top headlines direct to your inbox every weekday