【By Chen Sijia, Observers Network】Recently, a report released by the UK-based website "Carbon Brief," which specializes in climate change science and policy, showed that China's carbon emissions fell by about 1.6% in the first quarter of this year, while they decreased by about 1% over the 12 months ending in May this year, as economic activities and energy demand continued to rise. This means that China's carbon emissions are expected to peak ahead of schedule.

"China may have reached a game-changing milestone," the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) wrote on July 9, stating that this is a moment worth celebrating because China has achieved a reduction in carbon emissions while maintaining economic growth for the first time. China is deploying renewable energy technologies at an unprecedented speed and may play a leading role in global climate action in the future.

Lauri Myllyvirta, an analyst at the Finnish Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), pointed out that in recent years, China's carbon emissions only declined during periods of slowed economic activity, such as during the pandemic. However, new research shows that China's carbon emissions have been stable and declining for more than a year while the economy and energy use have grown, with additional clean energy supplies meeting the expanding electricity demand.

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Myllyvirta wrote the report for the "Carbon Brief" website, and he analyzed that the decline in carbon emissions was largely due to China's investment in renewable energy. In recent years, China's wind and solar power installed capacity has accounted for more than half of the global total. "Last year, China's solar power installed capacity was equivalent to the entire EU's installed capacity, which is an extremely impressive rate of growth," he said.

The UK's new energy think tank Ember also noted that in April this year, wind and solar power generation in China accounted for more than a quarter of the total power generation for the first time. In the first four months of this year, coal-fired power generation in China decreased by 3.6%. Analysts said these changes are significant for an economy that has long relied on coal-fired power generation.

China not only rapidly deploys renewable energy technologies but is also the world's largest producer of renewable energy equipment. The BBC pointed out that Chinese companies are leading the world in clean energy technology, with wind turbines and solar panels accounting for 60% and 80% of global production respectively. Experts generally believe that leading technology and production capabilities are key to China's balance of carbon emissions.

Christoph Nedopil Wang, Director of the Asia Institute at Griffith University in Australia, said that the emphasis on energy security has also driven China to increase its investment in renewable energy. "Relying more on renewable energy rather than energy imports helps improve China's national security," he said.

Wang predicts that China will pay more attention to the growth of low-emission industries such as electric vehicles, biotechnology, and information technology to stimulate economic development. He also pointed out that the Trump administration in the United States was very opposed to climate issues, and China will play a more active role in global climate policies, possibly establishing leadership in climate action.

Gim Huay Neo, Executive Director of the World Economic Forum, said: "China has made significant progress in domestic energy transition and is now the world's largest investor in clean energy. With continuous investment in clean energy technology and talent, China is expected to further enhance its contribution to a sustainable, safe, and inclusive energy future."

China clearly stated in September 2020 its goal of achieving carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. To achieve the carbon peaking target, China has pledged to reduce carbon emission intensity, i.e., carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP, by more than 65% compared to 2005 levels by 2030.

On July 7, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning introduced at a regular press conference that China has always actively promoted green and low-carbon development. Over the past decade, the proportion of non-fossil fuels in China's total energy consumption has increased to 17.9%, and carbon emission intensity has dropped by more than 34%. Mao Ning stated that China will continue to work with countries around the world to strengthen international cooperation on climate change, and make contributions to green transformation and the sustainable development of humanity.

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