US-China Energy Talks and a Supercharged El Niño: Key Climate Developments This Week
Introduction
This week in climate news, two major stories dominate: the high-stakes energy negotiations between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, and the alarming forecast of a ‘supercharged’ El Niño that could amplify extreme weather globally. Meanwhile, significant developments in Ethiopia’s electric vehicle adoption and the UK’s climate finance cuts offer a glimpse of the shifting landscape. Below, we break down the essential details.
US-China Energy Negotiations Amid Iran Conflict
Talks in Beijing Focus on Energy Trade
After two days of meetings between the US and Chinese leaders, reports indicate that Trump administration officials have broached the possibility of China purchasing more American oil. This comes as a response to supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. In a Thursday interview with CNBC, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that the nations discussed China “buying more US energy,” specifically highlighting Alaska’s production as a “natural” fit for Chinese demand. Additionally, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that both leaders agreed on the necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to “support the free flow of energy.”
Climate Cooperation or Divergence?
Ahead of the summit, the Communist party-affiliated People’s Daily published an opinion piece stressing that addressing climate change requires “coordinated efforts and cooperation” between the two superpowers. Similarly, state-run China Daily argued that US-China collaboration on energy security and climate governance is “essential” because both countries wield “considerable influence over international institutions.” However, a contrasting analysis in Legal Planet noted that the Trump-Xi meeting had no climate agenda, and the two nations are now moving in “radically different directions” on environmental policy.
El Niño Poised to Supercharge Extreme Weather
Warming Patterns Raise Alarm
Scientists are warning that the El Niño weather pattern could amplify climate extremes in 2026, according to Climate Home News. The Times reports that the average of four weather forecasters gives an 82% chance of a “very strong” El Niño forming this year. Meanwhile, The Independent adds that the phenomenon might be “supercharged” by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, which would raise the risks of fires, droughts, and other extreme weather events.
Global Fire Outbreaks Reach Record Highs
Global fire outbreaks have hit a “record high” in Africa, Asia, and other regions so far this year, reports Reuters. Conditions are expected to worsen to the “highest in recent history” if a strong El Niño materialises. According to data compiled by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) research group, more than 150 million hectares of land were damaged by fires from January to April—20% more than the previous record.
Around the World
Ethiopia’s Electric Vehicle Surge
Electric vehicles now make up 8% of Ethiopia’s car fleet, driven by soaring petrol prices and fuel shortages that are compelling African nations to adopt cleaner and cheaper transport, reports the Associated Press.
UK Halves Green Climate Fund Contribution
The United Kingdom has halved its most recent contribution to the UN’s Green Climate Fund (GCF), according to Climate Home News. This move, part of a government shift from development aid to military spending, means the UK is no longer the top donor to the GCF, notes Carbon Brief.