Climate Protection What about China?

China's commitment to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by 2060 reflects its rapid renewable energy growth of 11% annually. However, the nation continues to face challenges, with per-person carbon dioxide emissions rising by 2% each year since 2010 due to increasing energy demand. In contrast, the U. S. has pledged to reduce emissions by 2050 but is currently off track, with a 2% annual decrease in carbon emissions since 2010.

The disparity in energy usage between the two countries is stark; while China has seen its energy use increase, the U. S. has reduced its consumption. In 2024, 27% of new vehicle sales in China were fully electric, indicating a faster shift towards electric vehicles compared to the U. S.

However, China's reliance on coal-fired power plants poses significant environmental challenges, with coal being a high-polluting energy source. The U. S. has shifted largely to natural gas, aided by fracking, while China lacks substantial natural gas resources. This reliance on coal has contributed to severe air pollution issues in major Chinese cities.