8.3 China's role in global climate change initiatives
3 min read•august 9, 2024
China's role in global climate change initiatives has evolved significantly. As the world's largest carbon emitter, China has taken steps to address environmental concerns and lead in development.
China's commitment to the and by 2060 showcases its growing environmental responsibility. The nation's investments in and international cooperation efforts highlight its increasing influence in shaping global climate policy.
International Climate Agreements
Paris Agreement and UNFCCC Negotiations
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- Paris Agreement establishes global framework to limit temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels
- China ratified Paris Agreement in 2016, committing to peak carbon emissions by 2030
- negotiations involve China as a key player in global climate discussions
- China participates in annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings to shape international climate policy
- Chinese delegates advocate for differentiated responsibilities between developed and developing nations
Carbon Neutrality and Emissions Trading
- China pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, announced by President in 2020
- Carbon neutrality goal requires significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and increased carbon sequestration
- China launched national () in 2021, covering power sector initially
- ETS creates market-based incentives for companies to reduce emissions by setting caps and allowing trading of emission allowances
- System expected to expand to other high-emitting sectors (steel, cement) in coming years
Renewable Energy and Technology
Renewable Energy Investments and Development
- China leads global investment in renewable energy, spending $83.4 billion in 2019
- Massive expansion of capacity, increasing from 0.8 GW in 2010 to 253 GW in 2020
- capacity growth from 31 GW in 2010 to 281 GW in 2020
- Development of (UHV) transmission lines to transport renewable energy from resource-rich regions to high-demand areas
- Implementation of and to incentivize clean energy adoption
Green Technology Innovation and Transfer
- China emerges as a leading manufacturer of renewable energy technologies (solar panels, wind turbines)
- Research and development in advanced energy storage solutions, including lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells
- Green technology transfer initiatives with developing countries, sharing expertise in renewable energy deployment
- Collaboration with international partners on next-generation nuclear power technologies (small modular reactors)
- Investment in smart grid technologies to improve energy efficiency and integrate renewable sources
Global Cooperation Initiatives
Belt and Road Initiative and Environmental Considerations
- (BRI) promotes infrastructure development across Asia, Africa, and Europe
- Green Investment Principles for BRI established to encourage sustainable practices in projects
- China-proposed initiative aims to create a global renewable energy network
- Criticism of BRI for funding coal-fired power plants abroad addressed with pledge to stop overseas coal projects
- Implementation of ecological and environmental risk management for BRI projects to mitigate negative impacts
South-South Cooperation and Climate Finance
- China engages in to support developing countries in climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Establishment of with $3.1 billion initial funding
- Provision of technical assistance and capacity building for climate-resilient infrastructure in developing nations
- China contributes to multilateral climate funds (, )
- Bilateral climate finance agreements with countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America to support green development
Key Terms to Review (20)
Belt and Road Initiative: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global development strategy initiated by China in 2013 that aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration through infrastructure investment and trade. By building a network of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure across Asia, Europe, and Africa, the BRI seeks to promote trade routes and foster economic growth while extending China's influence on the global stage.
Carbon Neutrality: Carbon neutrality refers to achieving a balance between emitting carbon dioxide and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, effectively resulting in net-zero carbon emissions. This concept is essential in addressing climate change and involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions through various means while offsetting remaining emissions through methods such as reforestation or investing in renewable energy projects.
Emissions trading system: An emissions trading system (ETS) is a market-based approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants. In an ETS, companies or countries are allocated a certain number of allowances that permit them to emit a specific amount of greenhouse gases. If they emit less than their allowance, they can sell their excess allowances to other entities that exceed their limits, thus creating a financial incentive to reduce overall emissions.
ETS: ETS, or Emissions Trading System, is a market-based approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for reducing emissions of pollutants. It allows countries or organizations to buy and sell allowances that permit them to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases, effectively setting a cap on total emissions. This system encourages innovation and investment in cleaner technologies while helping to meet international climate goals.
Feed-in Tariffs: Feed-in tariffs are policies designed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources by guaranteeing fixed payments to energy producers for the electricity they generate and supply to the grid. These payments are typically set above the market price to ensure that renewable energy projects are financially viable and can attract investment, playing a significant role in promoting green technology and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Global energy interconnection: Global energy interconnection refers to the integrated and interconnected energy systems that facilitate the transmission and distribution of energy across regions and countries. This concept highlights the importance of cross-border energy cooperation, allowing for the sharing of renewable resources, enhancing energy security, and promoting sustainable development through a unified energy network.
Global Environment Facility: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a financial organization that aims to address global environmental issues by providing funding for projects in developing countries. Established in 1991, it focuses on areas such as biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, and international waters, supporting initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. By linking environmental sustainability with economic growth, the GEF plays a crucial role in global climate change initiatives, particularly for countries like China that are balancing rapid industrialization with environmental protection.
Green Climate Fund: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a global initiative established to support the efforts of developing countries to respond to climate change by providing financial assistance for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience. This fund aims to channel funds from developed nations to help developing countries implement sustainable practices and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Green finance: Green finance refers to financial activities that support the development of sustainable projects and investments aimed at addressing environmental challenges, particularly climate change. This includes funding renewable energy projects, energy efficiency initiatives, and other environmentally beneficial investments. The importance of green finance is growing as it plays a critical role in facilitating sustainable development and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Green technology: Green technology refers to the use of technology that is environmentally friendly, aimed at reducing negative impacts on the planet while promoting sustainability. This includes innovations in renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable transportation. As countries grapple with climate change, green technology becomes increasingly crucial in efforts to transition towards a low-carbon economy and achieve sustainability goals.
Paris Agreement: The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to address climate change and its impacts by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement represents a collective effort by nations to mitigate climate change and highlights the significant role of cooperation among countries, particularly China, which faces major environmental challenges.
Renewable energy: Renewable energy refers to energy that is generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power. This type of energy is increasingly important as it offers a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, helping to address significant environmental challenges while supporting economic growth and social stability.
Renewable Portfolio Standards: Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) are regulatory mandates that require utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, and biomass. These standards aim to increase the use of clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote investment in renewable technologies. By setting specific targets, RPS plays a critical role in shaping energy policies and driving the transition towards sustainable energy systems.
Solar power: Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells or solar thermal systems. This renewable energy source plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, making it essential for global climate initiatives.
South-South Climate Cooperation Fund: The South-South Climate Cooperation Fund is a financial initiative designed to support developing countries in their efforts to combat climate change through collaborative projects and technology transfer among themselves. This fund emphasizes mutual support and knowledge sharing, allowing nations in the Global South to address climate challenges while fostering sustainable development. It reflects a growing recognition of the importance of cooperation between developing countries in global climate action.
South-south cooperation: South-south cooperation refers to the collaborative efforts and exchanges between countries in the Global South, aimed at addressing common challenges and promoting development. This term highlights the importance of solidarity and mutual support among developing nations as they work together to enhance economic growth, reduce poverty, and tackle issues such as climate change. It is increasingly relevant in the context of global initiatives where emerging economies seek to forge partnerships and share experiences with one another.
Ultra-high voltage: Ultra-high voltage (UHV) refers to electrical power transmission systems operating at voltages above 800 kilovolts (kV). This technology enables the efficient transmission of electricity over long distances with reduced energy losses, making it a critical component in modern energy infrastructure and climate change initiatives.
UNFCCC: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty established in 1992 aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts through global cooperation. It serves as the foundational framework for subsequent agreements and protocols, including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering sustainable development among member countries.
Wind power: Wind power is the process of converting wind energy into electricity using wind turbines. It plays a crucial role in renewable energy strategies, offering a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, which aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
Xi Jinping: Xi Jinping is the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and the President of the People's Republic of China, having assumed power in 2012. His leadership is characterized by a strong emphasis on consolidating power, promoting economic reform, and asserting China's role on the global stage.