Climate Protection What about China?
China has pledged to eliminate its global warming pollution by 2060, amidst a backdrop of increasing energy consumption. In 2024, 27% of new vehicles sold in China were fully electric, indicating a swift transition to electric vehicles compared to the U. S. Despite this progress, China's heavy reliance on fossil fuels has resulted in a 2% annual rise in per-person carbon dioxide emissions since 2010, contrasting with a 2% decline in U. S.
emissions. The U. S. has set a target to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 but is currently off-track. China's renewable energy sector is expanding at 11% per year, surpassing the U.
S. growth rate of 6%. Coal remains a significant energy source for China, contributing to severe air pollution issues in cities like Beijing. The U. S.
has shifted largely from coal to natural gas, aided by fracking technology. These contrasting energy policies highlight the complex dynamics of climate action between two of the world's largest economies.