China plans for the first time to reduce its gases to curb warming

The planned cut does not help prevent climate catastrophes, experts say.

China has announced for the first time that it intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions responsible for warming. Its plan is to cut emissions by 7% to 10% by 2035 compared to the peak of emissions (which could be reached this decade). This was indicated by President Xi Jinping at the climate summit convened on Wednesday in New York by the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres. This is a relevant announcement, as China contributes more than 25% of global emissions and can set the pace in the fight against climate change. However, its approach has been considered too moderate and not aligned with the path to stop the temperature increase to 1.5ºC (compared to those of the pre-industrial era), as established by the Paris Agreement. Xi Jinping did not specify the reference year for emissions reductions, but linked them to the time when emissions peak. Based on current trends, that threshold could have been reached by 2024. But it remains to be seen. China’s new plan envisages increasing the share of non-fossil fuels (nuclear, renewables…) by more than 30% of primary energy consumption and expanding the installed capacity of wind and solar energy to more than six times 2020 levels.

Continue reading news in La Vanguardia