rki.news | Xinhua
VIENNA, April 12 – The global energy crisis has exposed risks of heavy reliance on fossil fuel imports, making it urgent for countries to reassess energy security strategies and accelerate the shift to renewable energy, China’s climate envoy Liu Zhenmin said.
Speaking to Xinhua during the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum, Liu said China’s experience shows expanding renewable energy strengthens energy security and resilience.
The forum, held in Vienna on April 9–10 under the theme “Powering Prosperity, Security and Stability,” was organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Austria’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, the Austrian Development Agency, and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis.
Liu said the energy crisis may slow short-term growth but warns against over-reliance on single energy sources. He stressed diversification and faster renewable adoption for long-term stability.
He said countries must align with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, requiring deep economic transformation beyond energy shifts.
Liu noted developing countries face greater challenges and suggested developed nations should aim for carbon neutrality by around 2040 to create more space for others.
He said the next five years will be critical and called for urgent global action to curb warming while maintaining market stability.
China, he added, is ready to deepen cooperation with international partners and support Global South countries in advancing energy transition and sustainable development goals.