China acting on climate change

China is the world's largest carbon emitter, accounting for up to one-quarter of global emissions and 57 per cent of the global increase in the last decade. The Chinese leadership has responded to climate risks and international pressure by setting ambitious national targets, including a 20 per cent reduction in energy intensity by 2010. These domestic efforts are closely linked to energy security and political stability, as the government seeks to balance economic growth with climate mitigation. Internationally, China is transitioning from a 'victim' to a 'dominant contributor,' moving away from the G77 coalition toward a position that maximizes national interests. The document emphasizes that global climate success depends on trust and cooperation between China, the U.S., and the EU, and recommends that the international community recognize China's domestic achievements and its right to development.

• China is the world's largest carbon emitter, contributing up to 25% of global emissions and 57% of the global increase in carbon emissions over the last ten years.
• China has implemented a target to reduce energy intensity by 20 per cent, which led to intensity decreases of 1.8 per cent in 2006, 3.7 per cent in 2007, and 4.6 per cent in 2008. If this target is met, China could avoid 1.5 billion tons of CO2 emissions in 2010 alone; extending these cuts through 2020 could avoid over 50Gt of CO2 compared to constant intensity.
• China's climate strategy is driven by concerns over economic and social stability, as well as energy security, which is viewed as essential for the political survival of the Chinese Communist Party.
• China is shifting its international diplomatic stance, moving from its alignment with the G77 coalition toward a strategy of maximizing its own national interests as a responsible world actor.
• China has established long-term renewable energy targets to ensure energy security, aiming for renewable sources to provide 10 per cent of the energy mix by 2010, 15 per cent by 2020, and 30 per cent or more by 2050.

APA

Olsson, M. (n.d.). China acting on climate change. Stockholm Environment Institute. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/china-cluster/china-acting-climate-change.pdf

Chicago

Olsson, Marie. China acting on climate change. Stockholm Environment Institute, n.d. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/china-cluster/china-acting-climate-change.pdf.

Wikipedia

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BibTeX

@techreport{olssonndchina, author = {Olsson, Marie}, title = {{China acting on climate change}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, url = {https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/china-cluster/china-acting-climate-change.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }