China has made a breakthrough in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new report by Carbon Brief. For the first time, the country’s emissions have fallen despite an increase in energy demand.
In the past, China’s rapid economic growth led to a surge in coal, oil, and natural gas consumption, making it the world’s largest single greenhouse gas emitter. However, under pressure from international climate targets, China has been rapidly building up clean energy capacity.
The results are promising: according to Lauri Myllyvirta, an analyst at Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, China’s overall greenhouse gas emissions have dropped for the first time. This shift is significant, as it shows that China can meet its climate change targets without compromising economic growth.
The move could also help global efforts to reduce emissions, with 85% of future emissions projected to occur outside the EU and US. If China succeeds in reducing its own emissions, it will demonstrate a viable path forward for other countries to follow.
Source: https://www.vox.com/climate/414297/china-carbon-emissions-climate-change-clean-energy-tariffs