The weekly newspaper "Die Zeit" commented that the decline in China's carbon emissions is a encouraging piece of good news.
The latest data published by the British professional website Carbon Brief shows that in the first quarter, Beijing's carbon emissions decreased by 1.6% compared to the same period last year. Over the entire year from April 2024 to March 2025, carbon emissions also decreased by 1%.
The weekly magazine "Die Zeit" wrote in its commentary that China has previously experienced reductions in carbon emissions, such as during the pandemic lockdowns, but this time the reduction in carbon emissions is different from before because China's economic operations are largely normal. The commentary states:
"The decrease in emissions in the first quarter mainly came from changes in electricity production. Although China's electricity consumption increased slightly compared to last year, the carbon dioxide produced during power generation has decreased. This is due to the large-scale expansion of renewable energy, which is gradually replacing coal, oil, and natural gas power generation. Last year, China's wind and solar power generation exceeded the total of all other countries in the world. Analysts expect that at least another record will be set in the field of wind power in 2025."
"But aren't Chinese people still building new coal-fired power plants?" Yes, however, the number of newly built power plants is already less than the number of approved permits for construction. Considering that cheaper solar and wind energy is growing rapidly, experts speculate that most of the coal-fired power plants that are eventually built will mainly serve as backup power plants."
Compared with the dramatic effect of a sharp drop in the carbon emission curve, China's reduction in carbon emissions has complex reasons and therefore will not cause a sensation in global media. However, despite this, it is still good news, telling us: true turning points will not happen overnight, and only gradual progress can achieve goals".
Source: DW
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832929231225930/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.