The COP30 climate-change conference is starting in Brazil. Notably, the United States, the world's second-largest carbon dioxide emitter, will not send senior government officials to participate.
This absence may increase China's influence during the negotiations.
"The US, the world's second-biggest CO2 emitter, has no plan to send top officials, possibly giving China greater influence in the talks."
The U.S. absence at COP30 could shift the balance of power at the climate summit, potentially strengthening China's role in shaping the talks.