By John Q. Hosedrinker 
China has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 7 to 10 percent by 2035, becoming a global leader in climate action while the United States retreats from the Paris Agreement. President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of a green transition, highlighting the country’s shift towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, aiming for over 30 percent of its power system to be run by these sources. Furthermore, China plans to make new energy vehicles the mainstream in vehicle sales. This commitment stands in stark contrast to the US stance on climate change.
Read the original article here
China’s President Xi Jinping announces new climate goal to cut emissions by 2035. This announcement, made to the UN General Assembly, is a significant development in the global fight against climate change. It arrives at a particularly interesting moment, especially considering the preceding address by a former US president, which presented a contrasting viewpoint on renewables and climate change. This announcement underscores China’s growing role in addressing climate change, positioning it as a leader on the world stage.
China has made substantial investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power and is constructing numerous nuclear power plants. The scale of China’s renewable energy projects dwarfs those of the United States, indicating a commitment to moving away from fossil fuels. Simultaneously, the US seems to be reversing course.
It’s worth noting that China is a world leader in renewable energy, particularly in terms of installed capacity and ongoing expansion. This growth, combined with advancements in electric vehicles, points towards major emission reductions in the coming years. It’s an undeniable fact that the US has been trailing, further highlighting China’s leadership in this area.
However, alongside these positive developments, it’s crucial to acknowledge that China is simultaneously increasing its coal-fired power capacity. Reports indicate a surge in new coal power plant construction in recent years, potentially hindering the transition away from fossil fuels. This is a point that cannot be ignored when evaluating the true impact of China’s climate goals.
While the announcement of new climate goals is a positive step, the effectiveness of these plans depends on their execution. Some argue that the emission reduction targets, like a 5-10% cut by 2035, may not be ambitious enough, especially considering the pressing need to limit global warming. The building of hundreds of new coal plants is also a worrying trend.
The context of this announcement is important. The world’s largest emitter of CO2 is indeed China. While the US has historically contributed significantly to the CO2 in the atmosphere during its industrialization, China has now surpassed the US in CO2 emissions. However, the per capita emissions are still higher in the US. China’s leadership in renewable energy and emissions reduction efforts is important. It should not be solely perceived as a competitive act.
It is also essential to consider the US’s position on climate change. While the US has been implementing some steps to reduce emissions, its actions often seem inconsistent and less ambitious than those of China. The US has not kept its Paris agreement pledges. This divergence in approaches emphasizes the significance of China’s commitment, even with some conflicting actions.
The feasibility of achieving these goals is a key point of discussion. While China has demonstrated its ability to meet targets and achieve large-scale projects, concerns remain about the pace of change and the practical implications of transitioning away from coal.
Finally, it’s important to view this announcement within the broader global context. Climate change is a global issue, and the responsibility to reduce emissions lies with all nations. China’s actions are important but not the sole solution. It is a global effort, and progress from all countries is needed.