China’s plan to become carbon-neutral by 2060

WHY IN THE NEWS?

Industrialization in China occurred at a breath-taking pace which lifted people out of poverty and transformed China into the world’s factory. However, this also made China the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide. As a result, China has set the goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2060.

What is carbon neutral?

Carbon neutral means cutting carbon dioxide emissions as large as possible and offsetting what cannot be eliminated. This can be done by switching to renewable energy sources like using solar power instead of coal.

China’s goal

Despite being the world’s second-largest economy, China is considered a developing nation. Accordingly, it has not reached its emissions peak. By 2030, China will be committing to bring down carbon neutrality 2060. If China gets success in it, it will be the fastest decline from peak emissions.

How China can achieve the goal?

• China requires finding replacements for fossil fuels powering its economy and rapid urbanization.
• Recently in July, China opened the world’s largest carbon trading market that created a framework for how emissions are priced and regulated in the nation.
• China is also expanding the use of electric vehicles and automation besides investments in nuclear power. Nuclear power doesn’t emit greenhouse gases.
• It is also spending on research into technologies like storage batteries and has been using hydrogen fuel to complement low-emissions energy sources.
• The government has also directed local authorities to develop regional plans in order to lower emissions and curb wasteful uses of electricity like in Bitcoin mining.