China’s rapid economic growth has come at a high environmental cost. Mountains of coal have been burned to power factories, releasing massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Last year, China released over 12 billion tonnes of CO2, accounting for over 30% of the world’s total emissions.
If this is indeed the case, it would be a significant and symbolic moment for the planet. It marks a potential shift in China’s environmental trajectory, raising hopes that the country may finally take meaningful action to address climate change.
This development has sparked interest among scientists, who are now looking at China as a key player in addressing global emissions. The country’s growing economic influence and technological advancements make it an attractive partner for Western researchers and institutions.
Source: https://www.economist.com/china/2025/05/29/chinas-carbon-emissions-may-have-peaked