China’s role in global emissions and renewable energy

Source: The post China’s role in global emissions and renewable energy has been created, based on the article “Why immediate emission cuts from China may not be all that good” published in “Indian Express” on 20th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment

Context: The article highlights China’s role in global emissions and renewable energy. China must reduce emissions to meet climate goals, but quick cuts could disrupt renewable energy supplies. It dominates clean energy manufacturing but remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels. China’s role in global emissions and renewable energy

For detailed information on China’s climate commitment: How is it significant? read this article here

Why is China Considered a “Developing” Country?

1. UN Classification: The United Nations categorizes China as a “developing” country, granting it flexibility in emission reduction targets under international climate frameworks.
2. Historical Emissions: In the 1990s, when the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was finalized, China’s emissions were just over 10% of global emissions, much less than its current share.
3. Economic Transformation: Despite becoming the second-largest economy, China leveraged its developing country status to prioritize growth over strict emission controls.
4. Global Contribution: China now accounts for over 30% of annual emissions and has 11.5% of historical emissions, matching the EU’s contribution.
5. Unequal Responsibilities: The Paris Agreement applies differentiated responsibilities, requiring less stringent short-term emission reductions from developing countries like China.

How Critical is China for Global Emission Reductions?

1. China’s emission cuts are crucial to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target.
2. A Climate Action Tracker study suggests China must cut emissions by 66% by 2030 and 78% by 2035.
3. Global emissions are projected to fall only 2% by 2030, far below the 43% required from 2019 levels.

What Are the Challenges and Contributions of China?

1. Challenges of China:
2. Highest Emissions: China contributes over 30% of global emissions, making it the largest emitter for over 15 years.
3. Heavy Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Coal generates over 50% of electricity, while renewable energy remains a small part of its energy mix.
4. Difficult Emission Targets: Achieving 66% emission cuts by 2030 and 78% by 2035, as per Climate Action Tracker, is unrealistic due to rising emissions.
5. Global Supply Chain Impact: Rapid emission cuts could disrupt China’s dominance in solar panel (80%) and wind turbine (60%) production, delaying global renewable energy transitions.

Contributions of China:

1. Renewable Energy Leadership: Added over 300 GW of renewables in 2023 and achieved 1,200 GW renewable capacity six years ahead of schedule.
2. Affordable Clean Energy: China is the most cost-competitive manufacturer of renewable energy technologies: Costs are 10% lower than India, 20% lower than the US, and 35% lower than Europe.
3. China controls 80% of global solar panel manufacturing and 60% of wind turbine production.It dominates supply chains for clean energy technologies, including batteries and hydrogen electrolysers.

Question for practice:

Discuss China’s dual role as the largest emitter and a leader in renewable energy production, highlighting the challenges and contributions outlined in the article.