“China’s Green Transition: Experts Optimistic About Carbon Emissions Peaking by 2025”
Rows of photovoltaic panels installed on a barren hill in Pingjing village in Anqing, China, on Nov. 16, 2024, symbolize the country’s ongoing efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. According to a recent report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), nearly half of climate experts believe that China’s carbon dioxide emissions may have already peaked, or will peak by 2025 at the latest.
Despite making progress in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy sources, China’s carbon emissions are still on track to increase slightly this year. However, the third edition of the annual report, China’s Climate Transition: Outlook 2024, indicates a growing optimism about China’s green transition.
Clean energy industries have emerged as key drivers of economic growth in China, with the benefits of the transition becoming increasingly clear. The report highlights the positive outlook of 44 experts from industry and academia surveyed, who are much more optimistic about China’s carbon emissions peaking by next year compared to previous surveys.
In response to questions about coal consumption in China, the experts surveyed also expressed optimism, with 36 percent believing that coal consumption has already peaked and 52 percent expecting it to peak by next year. Coal currently accounts for 80 percent of fossil fuel emissions in China, making it a significant contributor to carbon emissions.
China has set ambitious targets to reach peak carbon emissions by the end of the decade and achieve overall carbon neutrality by 2060. The country’s commitment to “strictly control” coal use in its upcoming five-year plan demonstrates its dedication to reducing carbon emissions.
To achieve its climate goals, China will need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources and transition to a less energy-intensive economic development model. The focus on industries such as EVs, batteries, and solar panels has attracted significant investment and is crucial to rebuilding the post-pandemic economy.
Analysts emphasize the importance of lowering China’s economy’s carbon intensity to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement. This will require further efforts to speed up renewable energy deployment and guide economic development in a more sustainable direction.
Overall, the report highlights China’s progress towards a greener future and the challenges that lie ahead in achieving its climate commitments. With continued investment in clean energy technologies and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, China is on track to lead the way in the global fight against climate change.