China’s CO2 Footprint Bigger Than Developed World

China now emits more carbon dioxide (CO₂) than all developed nations combined. This move highlights China’s considerable contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020, China’s CO₂ emissions exceeded that of all advanced economies combined. By 2023, these emissions were 15% greater than the total emissions of industrialised countries.

Historically, China’s emissions were less than one-quarter of those of wealthy countries in 1990. nearly the past three decades, China’s emissions have more than tripled, reaching nearly 14 gigatons of CO₂-equivalent by 2019.

China's CO2 Footprint Bigger Than Developed WorldSeveral factors are behind this increase. China’s growing industrialisation and urbanisation have resulted in increased energy demand, mostly from coal. Coal burning contributes significantly to China’s CO₂ emissions.

Despite being the top annual emitter, China’s per capita emissions remain lower than those of several developed countries. In 2021, China had per capita emissions of over 10.1 tonnes CO₂-equivalent per person, more than the global and EU averages but lower than the US’s 17.6 tonnes. China aims to attain carbon neutrality by 2060 and peak CO₂ emissions by 2030. However, the continuous development of coal-fired power plants raises questions about attaining these targets.

This development has important consequences for worldwide efforts to mitigate climate change. As the largest emitter, China’s policies and actions are critical to reducing global temperature rise. The world community is constantly monitoring China’s progress towards its climate commitments.

Fixing China’s CO₂ emissions is critical to global climate change mitigation efforts and it must be said that without any significant progress towards its carbon neutrality, the rest of the world’s contributions will continue to be hampered and struggle to make a difference.

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