Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
China rules out hosting the 2028 UN climate summit
China has ruled out hosting the 2028 UN climate summit, known as COP33, after months of deliberations.
Under UN climate rules, an Asian country should host the summit that year, leaving the field open to other countries in the region.
China is the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, but it has also expanded renewable energy and clean technology, making its possible role as host significant.
The reasons for its decision are unclear, though experts suggest the timing of the US election may have played a part.
COP33 is scheduled for 6 to 17 November 2028, shortly after the US presidential election, while Donald Trump is due to remain president until January 2029.
The meeting will include the global stocktake, which assesses countries’ progress under the Paris climate agreement.
Although the target of limiting warming to 1.5C is expected to be exceeded, experts say countries can still work to limit the overshoot and reduce the risks from extreme weather.
China has ruled out hosting the Cop33 UN climate summit in 2028 after months of deliberations.
The decision leaves other Asian countries in contention to host the summit.
The UN climate framework’s rules mean an Asian country should host in 2028.
It is unclear why China decided against hosting, though experts cited the timing of the US election as a possible factor.
Cop33 is scheduled to include a global stocktake of countries’ progress on cutting emissions.
- Who
- China has ruled out hosting Cop33. Other Asian countries remain potential hosts.
- What
- China will not host the 2028 UN climate summit.
- When
- The decision was reported on 12 November 2026. Cop33 is scheduled for 6 to 17 November 2028.
- Where
- China ruled out hosting; the summit is expected to be hosted by an Asian country.
- Why
- China’s reason was not stated. Experts suggested the timing of the US election may have been a factor.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
China decided against hosting Cop33.
Cop33 is scheduled to take place.
The next US presidential election is scheduled.
- Summit
- Cop33, the 2028 UN climate summit
- China’s decision
- Ruled out hosting after months of deliberations
- Host region
- An Asian country should host in 2028 under UNFCCC rules
- Summit dates
- 6–17 November 2028
- US election date
- 7 November 2028
What people are saying
I would be very much in favour of that idea [of China hosting the summit]
It’s too bad.
It would undoubtedly be significant for the world’s biggest emitter and second-biggest economy to host a climate Cop
As a leadership story, China hosting Cop33 would be a big deal.