China's emissions of potent greenhouse gases surge over the past decade

Emissions of two highly potent greenhouse gases in China have surged by 78% over the last decade, dominating global output.

Ellen McNally reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• Perfluorocarbons, used in manufacturing and aluminum smelting, trap heat more effectively than CO2 and persist for thousands of years.
• A study from MIT found that by 2020, China accounted for 64-66% of global emissions for two specific perfluorocarbons.
• These emissions primarily originate from industrial zones in western China, linked to the aluminum industry.

Why this matters:

Given China's pivotal role in global greenhouse gas emissions, its strategies for reducing these potent gases will be important. The rapid increase in emissions of these long-lasting greenhouse gases from China threatens global climate goals. These gases trap heat much more effectively than CO2, intensifying global warming and exacerbating climate change.