The COP30 climate-change conference is about to start in Brazil. Notably, the United States, which ranks as the world's second-largest CO2 emitter, will not be represented by top government officials.
The absence of high-level US representatives may shift the balance of influence in the negotiations, potentially increasing China's role in the talks.
"The US, the world's second-biggest CO2 emitter, has no plan to send top officials, possibly giving China greater influence in the talks."
Author's summary: The start of COP30 in Brazil marks a pivotal moment, with the US government absent, potentially enhancing China's diplomatic leverage in climate discussions.