China has missed its 2024 climate target, with carbon intensity falling by only 3.4%, below the 3.9% goal. Despite major renewable energy growth, coal remains predominant, and emissions have slightly increased. Experts warn that meeting future carbon reduction commitments will require significant efforts. The country plans to peak emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2060, contingent on necessary reforms in its industrial sector.
China has reportedly missed a significant climate target in 2024, as emissions in the nation increased slightly amidst continued reliance on coal, despite the substantial growth in renewable energy sources. Data released by Beijing’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that carbon intensity, which quantifies carbon dioxide emissions relative to GDP, fell by only 3.4 percent, falling short of the official goal of 3.9 percent. This places China’s efforts behind schedule concerning their aim for an 18 percent reduction in carbon intensity between 2020 and 2025.
The increment in China’s carbon emissions, although minor compared to previous years, raises questions about the country’s ability to reach its target of peaking emissions by 2030. Experts caution that fulfilling the pledge to decrease carbon intensity by 65 percent from 2005 levels by 2030 will be exceedingly challenging. Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, expressed that significant reductions are necessary in the following years to meet this commitment.
Although China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, it remains a leader in renewable energy production. The nation has plans to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. Analysts had anticipated that economic slowdown and swift increases in renewable installations might lead to a decline in emissions; however, more data is required to conclusively determine if a peak has been reached.
A growth-oriented industrial sector continues to impede progress toward China’s climate goals. Muyi Yang, a senior energy analyst for Asia at Ember, attributed rising energy demands to rapid industrial development. He emphasized that reforms are necessary to align industrial growth with sustainable energy practices, enabling a balance between economic activity and ecological responsibility. Overall energy consumption has risen by 4.3 percent compared to the previous year, with coal still accounting for over half of the country’s energy supply.
Beijing is expected to disclose its 15th Five-Year Plan from 2026 to 2030 later this year, which will outline the revised emissions and energy goals. Furthermore, in February, the city was set to submit updated emissions targets as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, but this deadline was missed. UN officials anticipate that most countries will submit their NDCs this year, thus highlighting the collective urgency to address climate change effectively.
In summary, China’s recent data reflects a setback in its climate efforts, as it missed critical emissions targets for 2024, primarily due to its continued dependence on coal. There is a pressing need for substantial reductions in carbon intensity to meet future commitments, and while China is progressing in renewable energy, challenges remain, especially in balancing industrial growth with sustainability. The upcoming Five-Year Plan and NDC submissions will be crucial for outlining the nation’s path forward in combatting climate change.
Original Source: www.france24.com
