US-China Energy Cooperation in the Spotlight After Beijing Summit
In a significant diplomatic exchange, officials from the Trump administration have floated the idea of China increasing its purchases of American oil, a move that could help stabilize energy markets disrupted by ongoing conflict with Iran. This development emerged from two days of high-level talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, as reported by Reuters. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated on CNBC that discussions covered the possibility of China buying more US energy, specifically highlighting Alaska’s potential production as a “natural” fit for Chinese demand. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post noted that both leaders agreed on the necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to “support the free flow of energy” amid regional tensions.
Prior to the summit, state-affiliated media signaled a desire for broader cooperation. The Communist Party-backed People’s Daily published an op-ed emphasizing that tackling climate change requires “coordinated efforts and cooperation” between the world’s two largest economies. Similarly, the state-run China Daily argued that US-China collaboration on energy security and climate governance is “essential”, given their “considerable influence over international institutions.” However, a more skeptical take came from the blog Legal Planet, which noted the meeting lacked a dedicated climate agenda and that the two nations are now heading in “radically different directions” on environmental policy.
El Niño Poised to Amplify Climate Extremes Worldwide
Scientists are sounding alarms over the potential for a “supercharged” El Niño this year, which could dramatically worsen extreme weather events from wildfires to heatwaves and flooding. According to Climate Home News, researchers warn that the El Niño pattern—already known to disrupt global weather—could amplify climate extremes in 2026. The Times reported that there is an 82% chance of a “very strong” El Niño forming, based on an average of four leading weather forecasting models. Adding to the concern, The Independent noted that a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)—another climate driver—could further intensify the phenomenon, raising the risks of fire, drought, and other extremes.
Global Fire Outbreaks at Record Levels
The consequences are already visible. Reuters highlighted that global fire outbreaks have hit a “record high” across Africa, Asia, and other regions this year. Data compiled by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) research group shows that from January to April, more than 150 million hectares of land were damaged by fires—a figure 20% higher than the previous record. Experts caution that conditions could become the “highest in recent history” if a strong El Niño materializes, as projected. These findings underscore the urgent need for disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures worldwide.
Around the World: EV Adoption in Ethiopia and UK Aid Cuts
In other climate-related developments this week, the Associated Press reported a notable shift in Ethiopia’s transport sector: electric vehicles now make up 8% of the country’s car fleet. This surge is driven by “soaring prices and fuel shortages” that are pushing African nations toward cleaner and more affordable transportation options, the outlet noted.
Meanwhile, the UK has slashed its latest contribution to the UN’s Green Climate Fund (GCF) by half, as part of a government pivot from development aid to military spending. Climate Home News documented the reduction, and Carbon Brief confirmed that the UK is no longer the top donor to the fund, a shift that could affect global climate finance flows.