Beijing – At the United Nations General Assembly’s Climate Summit, China presented its nationally determined contribution (NDC) to the Paris Climate Accords, which outlines its climate targets into 2035, and included targets to reduce economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% from peak levels, increase share of non-fossil fuels in total energy consumption to more than 30%, and expand the installed capacity of wind and solar power to 3,600 GW. 

Yao Zhe, Beijing-based Global Policy Advisor at Greenpeace East Asia, said: 

“China is still well-positioned to lift global climate action. Its domestic decarbonization progress, driven by robust clean technology development, demonstrates huge potential to drive energy transitions around the world. But, this target falls short of many people’s expectations. Looking at the amount of wind and solar entering China’s energy mix, there is every reason to believe that China’s economy will continue to decarbonize. This, along with China’s solutions-providing role for global energy transitions, lays the groundwork for China to strengthen its commitment in the near future.

“Beijing tends to set targets that it can confidently deliver and prioritizes keeping any promises. What’s hopeful is that the actual decarbonization of China’s economy is likely to exceed its target on paper. Our latest analysis shows that China’s power sector, which accounts for 40% of the country’s carbon emissions, can peak this year, followed by a robust structural decline faster than indicated by the NDC.  

“Ultimately, actions do speak louder than words. But strong and consistent policy signals are an irreplaceable catalyst. Business and technological advancements alone cannot get the job done. The need for guiding targets is as serious for China’s domestic energy transition as it is for global climate action. China needs to keep the door open to enhance its policy targets fairly soon. Waiting another five years will be too late.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

August Rick, Greenpeace East Asia, Beijing, ([email protected])

Greenpeace International Press Desk, [email protected], +31 20 718 2470 (24 hours)