China reduces coal plant approvals after a recent surge

China significantly reduced approvals for new coal-fired power plants in the first half of 2024 following a surge in previous years that raised concerns about its climate commitments.

Ken Moritsugu reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

Greenpeace East Asia found that only 14 new coal plants were approved in China in early 2024, down 80% from the same period last year.
China’s coal dependence persists, despite leading in solar and wind power, to manage peak electricity demand.
Recent government initiatives focus on integrating renewable energy into the grid and retrofitting coal plants with low-carbon technologies.

Key quote:

“We may now be seeing a turning point.”

— Gao Yuhe, project lead for Greenpeace East Asia

Why this matters:

China's reduced coal plant approvals signal a potential shift in its energy strategy, but its continued reliance on coal complicates global efforts to combat climate change.

apnews.com

China reduces coal plant approvals after a recent surge

Trump’s cuts have exposed US to ‘cascade’ of El Niño dangers, experts warn

‘Hybrid weapon of war’: Why climate disinformation could be a growing public health threat

New Mexico off track for 2030 greenhouse gas goal, environment official says

Why whales are climate heroes — who also need our protection

As extreme heat worsens, renters are gaining a 'right to cooling'

Alaska Senate candidates rarely mention climate change, but they talk a lot about fish

Conservative climate movement faces a blue wave wipeout

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.