During the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), China surprised the world by announcing it is planning to go carbon neutral by 2060. This is the first time the country has given a concrete plan for its climate policy.
Currently, China is the world’s largest emitter by far. In fact, it produces more emissions than the next 3 biggest emitters combined. It burns more coal than the rest of the world combined and tops the list for the country that produces the most plastic pollution.
However, this might be changing as the nation looks to adopt stricter environmental regulations.
What Is the Plan?
China’s commitment did come with a roadmap, although it is a bit vague when you look a bit deeper.
To begin, China expects to hit peak emissions by 2030, which means the country will reach its highest level of emissions before attempting to move towards zero emissions. This means that emissions are unlikely to decrease within the next decade.
The next 30 years after peak emissions will see the country pursue technology as it attempts to reach zero emissions.
While this is a bit vague, it is the first time the country gave clear dates and even admitted that it would like to hit these goals sooner than expected. But given China’s track record with emissions and pollution, the world needs to see action before accepting such claims.
It’s Not Impossible
Even though China has topped the charts in emissions and pollution, it also tops the chart in renewable energy. In fact, it is the world’s leader when it comes to it. It gets 25% of its overall energy from renewable sources.
However, this simply doesn’t make up for the other 75% that is not.
Switching its energy sector away from coal and into the arms of solar and wind is a must for the country, and they certainly have the technology to do just that.
