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Global temperature changes

China's Ambitious Efforts in Reducing Carbon Emissions Amid Climate Change Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Experts have lauded China's significant strides in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and implementing clean energy policies, but acknowledge that the country still faces challenges in climate change mitigation due to its large carbon footprint and rapid economic growth. As a major emitter, China has committed to reducing its CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by 17 percent and energy consumption per unit of GDP by 16 percent by 2015, compared to 2010 levels. China's efforts to develop clean and renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions are seen as a model for other countries to follow.

Key Takeaways:

  • China aims to add 180 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar photovoltaic capacity in the next 25 years, which is close to the current combined capacity of the rest of the world.
  • The country has made significant efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a reduction of 1.5 billion tonnes between 2006 and 2010, the greatest reduction of any country during the five-year period.
  • China has accomplished its energy conservation goals listed in the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010), with energy consumption per unit of GDP dropping 19.1 percent from 2005 levels, equivalent to a reduction of 1.46 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions.
  • The country has set a target of reducing its CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by 17 percent and energy consumption per unit of GDP by 16 percent by 2015 compared to 2010 levels.
  • China has the world's most ambitious plan to develop clean and renewable energy, with a focus on improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Despite China's efforts, the country and other developing nations are facing funding and technology transfer shortfalls from developed countries, hindering its ability to tackle climate change.
  • Developed countries, under the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities," have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide funding and technology to help developing countries address climate change.

Statistics:

  • China aims to reduce its CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by 17 percent and energy consumption per unit of GDP by 16 percent by 2015 compared to 2010 levels.
  • The country has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5 billion tonnes between 2006 and 2010, the greatest reduction of any country during the five-year period.
  • Energy consumption per unit of GDP in China dropped 19.1 percent from 2005 levels, equivalent to a reduction of 1.46 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions.
  • The EU aims to reduce emissions by 20 percent by 2020, and is half-way toward meeting this goal due to its financial crisis.
  • Industrial nations have agreed to provide 30 billion U.S. dollars in start-up funds between 2010 and 2012, and 100 billion U.S. dollars annually by 2020 to help developing countries tackle climate change.

Sources:

  • Xinhua News Agency
  • International Energy Agency (IEA)
  • Social Sciences Academic Press
  • China's State Council (or Cabinet)
  • International Institute for Environment and Development
  • World Wide Fund for Nature
  • Natural Resources Defense Council
  • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
  • Xie Zhenhua, Vice Chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission

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