The country that is the largest polluter on the planet is gradually becoming a “beacon” for the ecological transition.
China’s Carbon Dioxide Emissions Decrease by 3%
In March, China demonstrated success in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) while its economy continues to thrive.
We are living in a world heavily impacted by climate change, causing significant human and economic damages (heatwaves, superstorms, droughts…), and it’s quite rare to receive good news regarding this matter.
Countries around the world are joining hands to save our planet and leave a better future for posterity. Governments aim for a major goal: reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the greenhouse gas primarily responsible for global warming.
In this context, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and transitioning to sustainable energy sources is the priority for most countries, alongside researching various new energy forms.
China is the only country responsible for 1/3 of the world’s CO2 emissions (Illustrative image: Futura Science).
According to a report from Carbon Brief, China’s carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 3% in March. Previously, for 14 consecutive months, the country had reached its highest greenhouse gas emissions during the recovery period following the Covid-19 pandemic.
What Has China Done to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
Reducing a country’s CO2 emissions is often associated with decreasing production activities such as coal-fired power plants and fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
However, China’s economy continues to grow while greenhouse gas emissions are declining. So how has this populous nation achieved this?
The Chinese government has implemented three main actions to reduce CO2 emissions in recent months.
First, China has focused on robust and continuous development of solar and wind power plants, meeting 90% of the country’s additional electricity demand.
To date, energy is the sector that emits the most CO2 in China, while the country’s electricity demand continues to rise.
Building solar and wind power plants has allowed the country to meet its energy consumption needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the environment.
The renewable energy market is experiencing a real boom in China. In the first three months of the year, wind and solar energy production in the country increased by 40%.
China currently faces challenges in developing hydropower due to prolonged drought conditions.
Second, 1 in 10 vehicles currently in China runs on electricity due to the strong investment and development by local companies and corporations. This has helped to reduce the country’s gasoline and diesel demand by 3.5%.
However, the consumption of gas in industrial and residential sectors—a highly polluting energy source—continues to rise.
Finally, the country is slowing down construction activities, leading to an 8% reduction in steel usage. China is also investing in research and gradually transitioning to new, environmentally friendly, and less polluting building materials.
CO2 Emission Reductions Expected to Continue
The reduction in CO2 emissions in China is good news not only for the country itself but also holds global significance. China serves as a testament to the fact that transitioning to green, sustainable energy can help nations contribute positively to mitigating global warming.
It remains unclear what the CO2 emission levels will be in April for this populous nation, but initial data suggests that the downward trend beginning in March will continue.
The Chinese government has set clear targets for reducing greenhouse gases by the years 2025 and 2030. This recent decline in CO2 emissions will provide the Chinese government with additional momentum to continue its efforts in the global climate battle.
However, Carbon Brief points out that China has very little chance of achieving its long-term targets due to the significant CO2 increase following the Covid-19 pandemic (2021-2023). But if the country maintains the trajectory seen in 2024, China will still make great progress: At this rate, renewable energy will meet 70% of the total increased energy demand in China from 2026 to 2030.
