As U.S. and E.U. Retreat on Climate, China Takes the Leadership Role
12 days ago
- #renewable energy
- #geopolitical competition
- #climate leadership
- China solidified its position as the global supplier of low-carbon goods after the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Agreement.
- China announced a modest emissions reduction target for 2035, which was criticized as insufficient by the E.U.
- China's approach involves setting low targets and exceeding them, contrasting with more ambitious but unmet promises by others.
- The E.U.'s leadership in climate policy is waning due to internal divisions and economic challenges, including competition from China.
- China's climate leadership is bolstered by its industrial capacity, producing 80% of solar panels and over 70% of electric vehicles globally.
- China has reduced the cost of solar panels by nearly 90%, lowering barriers to renewable energy adoption worldwide.
- China ended its support for overseas coal projects in 2021 and has since focused on exporting clean energy technologies and building factories abroad.
- China is forming alliances through groups like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to expand renewable energy capacity globally.
- The BASIC group (Brazil, South Africa, India, China) could drive U.N. climate diplomacy, representing 40% of global emissions.
- China's industrial and technological dominance is reshaping global energy markets, positioning it as a leader in the low-carbon transition.