China’s Emissions May Have Peaked Amid Clean Energy Surge

In an impressive show of commitment to renewable energy, China has rapidly expanded its wind and solar power capabilities, suggesting that the country’s carbon emissions may have peaked in 2023. This development, if confirmed, would mark a significant milestone in the global struggle against climate change.

Following a surge in CO2 emissions coinciding with economic recovery post-COVID, a recent analysis reveals that emissions remained stable from July to September 2024, hinting at a potential overall flatlining or slight reduction compared to 2023. Lauri Myllyvirta from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air emphasizes that China’s emissions have notably influenced global trends since the Paris Agreement.

China’s pledge to curb its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2060 has drawn criticism for lacking ambition. Myllyvirta argues that achieving an earlier peak would allow for a swifter reduction in emissions, a crucial step in mitigating disastrous climate impacts.

As electricity demand continues to rise, propelled by societal advancements and extreme weather events, China is rapidly scaling its renewable energy infrastructure. Solar and wind power saw phenomenal growth, with solar generation increasing by 44% during the previous year.

Despite rising coal and gas use, a notable downturn in construction has led to a slight emissions offset. However, the path to consistent emission reductions remains uncertain, particularly in light of government stimuli that could elevate emissions in late 2024.