8.3 China's role in global climate change initiatives

China's role in global climate change initiatives has evolved significantly. As the world's largest carbon emitter, China has taken steps to address environmental concerns and lead in renewable energy development.

China's commitment to the Paris Agreement and carbon neutrality by 2060 showcases its growing environmental responsibility. The nation's investments in green technology and international cooperation efforts highlight its increasing influence in shaping global climate policy.

International Climate Agreements

Paris Agreement and UNFCCC Negotiations

Top images from around the web for Paris Agreement and UNFCCC Negotiations

• 

  Paris Agreement - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Who’s running late for the Paris Agreement? | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Katowice climate change conference COP 24 Analysis View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Paris Agreement - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Who’s running late for the Paris Agreement? | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Paris Agreement and UNFCCC Negotiations

• 

  Paris Agreement - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Who’s running late for the Paris Agreement? | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Katowice climate change conference COP 24 Analysis View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Paris Agreement - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Who’s running late for the Paris Agreement? | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Paris Agreement establishes global framework to limit temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels
• China ratified Paris Agreement in 2016, committing to peak carbon emissions by 2030
• UNFCCC negotiations involve China as a key player in global climate discussions
• China participates in annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings to shape international climate policy
• Chinese delegates advocate for differentiated responsibilities between developed and developing nations

Carbon Neutrality and Emissions Trading

• China pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, announced by President Xi Jinping in 2020
• Carbon neutrality goal requires significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and increased carbon sequestration
• China launched national emissions trading system (ETS) in 2021, covering power sector initially
• ETS creates market-based incentives for companies to reduce emissions by setting caps and allowing trading of emission allowances
• System expected to expand to other high-emitting sectors (steel, cement) in coming years

Renewable Energy and Technology

Renewable Energy Investments and Development

• China leads global investment in renewable energy, spending $83.4 billion in 2019
• Massive expansion of solar power capacity, increasing from 0.8 GW in 2010 to 253 GW in 2020
• Wind power capacity growth from 31 GW in 2010 to 281 GW in 2020
• Development of ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission lines to transport renewable energy from resource-rich regions to high-demand areas
• Implementation of feed-in tariffs and renewable portfolio standards to incentivize clean energy adoption

Green Technology Innovation and Transfer

• China emerges as a leading manufacturer of renewable energy technologies (solar panels, wind turbines)
• Research and development in advanced energy storage solutions, including lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells
• Green technology transfer initiatives with developing countries, sharing expertise in renewable energy deployment
• Collaboration with international partners on next-generation nuclear power technologies (small modular reactors)
• Investment in smart grid technologies to improve energy efficiency and integrate renewable sources

Global Cooperation Initiatives

Belt and Road Initiative and Environmental Considerations

• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) promotes infrastructure development across Asia, Africa, and Europe
• Green Investment Principles for BRI established to encourage sustainable practices in projects
• China-proposed Global Energy Interconnection initiative aims to create a global renewable energy network
• Criticism of BRI for funding coal-fired power plants abroad addressed with pledge to stop overseas coal projects
• Implementation of ecological and environmental risk management for BRI projects to mitigate negative impacts

South-South Cooperation and Climate Finance

• China engages in South-South cooperation to support developing countries in climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Establishment of South-South Climate Cooperation Fund with $3.1 billion initial funding
• Provision of technical assistance and capacity building for climate-resilient infrastructure in developing nations
• China contributes to multilateral climate funds (Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility)
• Bilateral climate finance agreements with countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America to support green development