What Did China Agree to in the Paris Agreement

07 Sep What Did China Agree to in the Paris Agreement

In 2015, world leaders convened in Paris to negotiate the Paris Agreement, a landmark international climate change agreement aimed at keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. One of the world`s biggest polluters, China, was among the countries that signed on to the agreement. But what did China actually agree to in the Paris Agreement?

To understand China`s commitments under the Paris Agreement, it`s important to first understand its prior stance on climate change. In the past, China has been reluctant to take strong action on climate change, citing its status as a developing country and its need to prioritize economic growth.

However, in recent years, China has shifted its approach to climate change and become more proactive in addressing the issue. This is due in part to the country`s growing concerns over air pollution and its desire to establish itself as a global leader in clean energy.

Under the Paris Agreement, China committed to several key actions. Here are some of the most notable:

1. Peak Carbon Emissions: China pledged to peak its carbon emissions no later than 2030 and to make efforts to achieve this goal sooner if possible. This means that China`s emissions will continue to increase in the short term but will eventually reach a maximum level and then start to decline.

2. Increase Renewable Energy: China also committed to increasing the share of non-fossil fuels in its primary energy consumption to around 20% by 2030. This includes energy from sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower.

3. Cap and Trade System: In 2017, China launched a nationwide carbon cap-and-trade program, which is the largest in the world. This program sets a limit on the amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted by power generators and allows companies to buy and sell allowances to meet their emissions targets.

4. Green Belt and Road Initiative: China also pledged to incorporate climate considerations into its Belt and Road Initiative, which is a massive infrastructure development project spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa. This includes promoting clean energy and low-carbon transportation in the countries involved in the initiative.

These commitments by China are significant, given that the country is responsible for nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By committing to peak its emissions and increase its use of renewable energy, China is taking an important step towards reducing its impact on the environment.

However, some critics argue that China`s commitments under the Paris Agreement are not ambitious enough and that the country should do more to reduce its emissions. Additionally, there are concerns about the effectiveness of China`s cap-and-trade program and its ability to enforce emissions reductions from heavy industries.

Despite these challenges, China`s agreements under the Paris Agreement represent a significant shift in the country`s approach to climate change and demonstrate its growing commitment to addressing this pressing global issue.