China Fails to Achieve Climate Goals Amidst Rising Emissions and Coal Dominance
In 2024, China missed a crucial climate target with rising emissions despite a surge in renewable energy. Carbon intensity reduction of 3.4% fell short of the 3.9% target, prompting doubts about meeting the Paris Agreement commitments. Industry growth continues to outpace clean energy development, indicating the need for reform. Analysts express that coal may remain dominant until 2030, when additional renewable infrastructure is anticipated to come online.
In 2024, China failed to meet a significant climate target, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Despite introducing record levels of renewable energy, coal remained the dominant energy source, resulting in a slight increase in overall emissions. Analysts expressed concern that the country is falling behind on commitments under the Paris climate agreement. Carbon intensity saw a reduction of only 3.4%, which did not meet the official target of 3.9% and raised doubts about achieving a planned 18% reduction from 2020 to 2025.
The latest figures reveal that although carbon emissions increased slightly, they were not as severe as in previous years. Some experts are unsure if China has reached its peak emissions in advance of the 2030 target for such a peak. Lauri Myllyvirta, from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, indicated that meeting the Paris Agreement commitments will require an ambitious drop in carbon intensity by 65% relative to 2005 levels by 2030. He commented, “Even with optimistic assumptions for 2025, carbon dioxide intensity must fall by 22 percent in 2026-2030 to meet China’s key Paris target.”
China continues to be the largest producer of greenhouse gases while simultaneously being a leader in renewable energy. The nation is determined to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2060. Analysts have noted that the slowing economic growth coupled with rapid renewable energy adoption may suggest emissions have plateaued. However, it may take more data years to conclusively determine the peak.
Fueling this issue, the growth in its carbon-intensive industrial sector has reportedly hampered progress toward climate objectives. Muyi Yang from Ember think tank emphasized that industrial proliferation has increased energy demand beyond the pace of developing clean energy infrastructure. He highlighted the necessity for reforms to avert sustainable energy loss due to industrial growth. The NBS noted that total energy consumption rose by 4.3% over 2023, reflecting a continued reliance on coal.
Despite renewable energy expansion, coal continues to meet over half of China’s energy needs. Analysts maintain that renewables will soon meet all new electricity demand, potentially leading to an absolute decline in coal usage. Beijing is anticipated to unveil its 15th Five-Year Plan, addressing emissions and energy goals for 2026 to 2030. Additionally, the government is expected to submit updated emissions targets per the Paris Agreement, although it is behind schedule, as noted by UN officials predicting submissions later this year.
China’s recent data highlights significant challenges in meeting climate targets, as emissions rose amidst continued reliance on coal. The fall in carbon intensity fell short of set goals, prompting concerns over future commitments under the Paris Agreement. The necessity for infrastructural reforms is accentuated by the country’s industrial growth, matching energy demand beyond sustainable limits. These factors underscore the complexities of transitioning to a greener energy portfolio while driving economic development.
Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com
