china
Newsletter
Credit: Marek Piwnicki/Unsplash
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.
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.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Peter Beukema/Unsplash
China leads global wind and solar project construction
China is constructing nearly double the wind and solar power of the rest of the world combined, according to a new report.
In short:
- China has 339GW of wind and solar power under construction, compared to 40GW in the US.
- By 2024, China will reach 1,200GW of installed wind and solar capacity, six years ahead of schedule.
- Despite renewable growth, China’s coal consumption and new coal plant approvals continue to rise.
Key quote:
“It is obviously important for China to keep on adding more renewable energy to meet its targets. But it’s not as simple as you just keep building and it will be solved … [because] there is no sign that the country is trying to steer away from its coal consumption.”
— Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Policy Institute
Why this matters:
China's rapid renewable energy expansion sets a global precedent, but rising coal use and geopolitical tensions challenge its environmental goals.
Keep reading...Show less
Top Story
Trump may repeal Biden's climate law, risking billions in US investments
Former President Donald Trump criticizes President Biden's renewable energy policies, which experts say could inadvertently benefit China by jeopardizing $488 billion in U.S. manufacturing investments.
In short:
- Trump has labeled Biden's renewable energy policies as a ploy to enrich China, as China controls many parts needed for green technology.
- Experts argue repealing these policies would hurt U.S. manufacturing, boosting China's edge in clean energy technologies.
- The Inflation Reduction Act has spurred $488 billion in U.S. investments, creating significant job growth in renewable energy sectors.
Key quote:
"If America chooses as a matter of political decision to go backward on the green transition, it won’t stop the global process because that’s already underway."
— Stuart P.M. Mackintosh, economist and author of the book "Climate Crisis Economics"
Why this matters:
Proponents of Biden's policies argue that the long-term benefits of renewable energy outweigh the risks. They emphasize that investing in green technology can spur innovation, create sustainable jobs and reduce dependency on foreign energy sources. Moreover, the environmental benefits of reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy are seen as vital steps in addressing the climate crisis.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Michael Fousert/Unsplash
China and the EU discuss potential tariff hikes on Chinese electric vehicles
China and the European Union are considering negotiations over the EU's decision to significantly increase tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
In short:
- The EU plans to impose provisional tariffs of 17.4% to 38.1% on Chinese-made EVs starting July 4, citing unfair subsidies that harm EU automakers.
- Both China and Germany's economy minister expressed willingness to hold discussions to resolve the dispute before the tariffs take effect.
- China is also investigating European pork imports, which may be a response to the EU's EV tariff measures.
Key quote:
“The doors are open for discussions. And I hope that this message was heard.”
— Robert Habeck, Germany’s economy minister and vice chancellor
Why this matters:
Increased tariffs could escalate trade tensions between China and the EU, impacting global trade and the electric vehicle market. An agreement could help avoid further economic conflict and support fair competition in the automotive industry.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: JamesDeMers/Pixabay
Mining companies seek Washington insiders to navigate regulatory challenges
Mining companies are turning to former government officials and lobbyists to secure critical minerals and compete with China.
In short:
- Mining firms are enlisting former officials to navigate regulatory hurdles and leverage tax incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act.
- There’s an increase in advocacy efforts focused on accelerating federal and state mining approvals for essential minerals like lithium and cobalt.
- Despite efforts, a cohesive U.S. strategy for critical minerals is still lacking, raising concerns about China's dominance in the supply chain.
Key quote:
“We’re at a pivotal point … if we don’t come up with a strategy by 2025, I think it’s game over.”
— Peter Bryant, strategist at Clareo
Why this matters:
Critical minerals are essential for technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy. Without a clear strategy, the U.S. risks dependency on China, affecting economic and national security.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: devilkae/Big Stock Photo
China's renewable energy plans pose threats to the Mekong and Salween rivers
China's decarbonization strategy could harm farmland and transboundary rivers like the Mekong and Salween, a study warns.
In short:
- China's energy decarbonization plan aims for 2060 but could negatively impact crucial river systems and farmland.
- Hydropower expansion in the Mekong and Salween basins could exacerbate existing environmental problems, including river fragmentation and altered flood cycles.
- Alternative solutions, like reducing electricity demand and investing in emerging technologies, are essential to mitigate these impacts.
Key quote:
“If we think of any major technological change, they always have costs and unintended consequences. The sooner we realize and address them, the more sustainable and equitable the energy transition will be.”
— Stefano Galelli, associate professor, Cornell University
Why this matters:
While hydropower is often championed as a clean energy source, its implementation in these vital regions could significantly worsen existing environmental problems. The construction of dams and reservoirs along these rivers threatens to fragment river ecosystems, disrupting the natural flow and connectivity essential for maintaining biodiversity.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Derek Sutton/Unsplash
A family farm in China thrives with solar energy investment
Shi Mei and her husband in Shandong Province diversified their farming income by investing in rooftop solar panels, earning $10,000 annually from generating electricity.
In short:
- The Shi family installed 40 solar panels on their roof in 2021, significantly boosting their income.
- China aims for 20% of its power to come from renewables by 2025, leading to an oversupply of solar energy in some areas.
- Efforts are underway to improve grid flexibility and energy storage to handle the excess power.
Key quote:
“China has the great potential and opportunity to make its power sector achieve its carbon peak by 2025.”
— Grace Gao, climate and energy senior campaigner at Greenpeace in China
Why this matters:
By turning their rooftops into mini power plants, the Shi family reduces their carbon footprint and promotes sustainable energy practices within their community.
This initiative emphasizes the potential for renewable energy to transform livelihoods, especially in regions like Shandong Province where sunlight is abundant. For other farmers, Shi Mei's success story could serve as a powerful example of how embracing green technology can provide both economic stability and environmental benefits.
Some more good news from EHN’s Brian Bienkowski in this 2019 piece: Global renewable energy has quadrupled over past decade.
Keep reading...Show less
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
