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China’s Response to Climate Change: A Study in Contrasts and a Policy at a Crossroads

China’s Response to Climate Change: A Study in Contrasts and a Policy at a Crossroads

Full Title: China’s Response to Climate Change: A Study in Contrasts and a Policy at a Crossroads
Author(s): David Sandalow
Publisher(s): The Asia Society Policy Institute
Publication Date: July 30, 2020
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

China is the world’s leading emitter of heat-trapping gases, by far. In 2019, Chinese emissions were greater than emissions from the United States, the European Union, and Japan combined. There is no solution to climate change without China.

China’s response to climate change is a study in contrasts. China leads the world in solar power, wind power, and electric vehicle deployment, but also in coal consumption. The Chinese government has adopted some of the world’s most ambitious energy efficiency and forest conservation policies, but is financing a significant expansion of coal-fired power plant capacity at home and abroad. China’s leaders are strongly committed to the Paris Agreement, but appear to attach less priority to climate change than in years past.

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