Introduction
China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), has seen a decrease in its CO2 emissions during the first quarter of 2025, despite growing electricity demand. This development is largely attributed to the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources within the country.
China’s Role as a Global Emitter
As the world’s leading emitter of greenhouse gases, China plays a significant role in global climate change efforts. However, the nation has been actively investing in renewable energy sources and aims to reach its peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
Renewable Energy Capacity
According to a 2024 study, China’s installed capacity for wind and solar energy nearly doubles that of the rest of the world combined. These new installations have enabled a 1.6% interannual reduction in CO2 emissions during the first quarter of 2025, as reported by Lauri Myllyvirta, an analyst at the Centre for Research into Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
Emission Trends
In the twelve months leading up to March 2025, China’s emissions had already decreased by 1% compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the Finland-based CREA institute. Previous reductions in emissions were temporary and coincided with periods of low demand, such as during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Growing Demand for Electricity
Despite the overall decrease in emissions, total electricity demand increased by 2.5% in Q1 2025, as reported by Carbon Brief, a specialized media outlet. Myllyvirta explains that “the growth in clean energy production now exceeds the average, current, and long-term growth of electricity demand, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels.”
Challenges and Future Goals
Carbon Intensity Reduction
Despite progress, China remains “significantly behind” in meeting its goal to reduce carbon intensity (CO2 emissions relative to GDP) by 65% compared to 2005 levels by 2030, as noted in the recent study.
Coal Dependency
Moreover, coal continues to be a crucial component of China’s energy mix, posing challenges for further emission reductions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What caused the decrease in China’s CO2 emissions during Q1 2025? The reduction is primarily due to the rapid growth of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, which have helped decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
- How does China’s renewable energy capacity compare to the rest of the world? As of 2024, China’s installed capacity for wind and solar energy nearly doubles that of the rest of the world combined.
- What are China’s long-term climate goals? China aims to reach its peak CO2 emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
- What challenges does China face in reducing its CO2 emissions? Despite progress, China remains behind schedule in reducing carbon intensity and continues to rely heavily on coal for its energy needs.
