China has deviated from its own emissions targets for the first time in years. According to a recent study, emissions in the People's Republic increased by 5.2 percent in 2023. Growing coal consumption is the main culprit.
By Christiane Kuehl
As the world's largest emitter of CO2, China has trouble tracking its own emissions: The authorities only insufficiently publish data. The government wants to address the problem, but faces massive challenges. Is the country emitting less than previously believed?
By Nico Beckert
China has approved more new coal-fired power plants in 2022 than at any time in the last seven years. Are the international climate targets at risk? Chinese peculiarities such as low utilization of power plants and the rapid expansion of renewables give a reason for hope. But some risks to the climate remain.
By Nico Beckert
When China's President Xi Jinping announced a halt to the construction of new coal projects abroad at the UN General Assembly in September 2021, the global community breathed a sigh of relief. A year later, loopholes begin to show: even today, new coal-fired power plants are built with Chinese help. Nevertheless, the announcement remains a positive signal for climate policy.
By Nico Beckert
To secure its energy supply, China builds new coal-fired power plants and massively expands coal production. Yet China claims to be climate-friendly. This is because the power plants are to be used as flexible backups for renewable energies. But even if the power plants are only operated temporarily, China's dependence on coal jeopardizes the Paris climate targets.
By Nico Beckert
