China’s missed emissions target poses challenge to global climate efforts

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Al Jazeera or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: China missed its 2024 carbon intensity reduction target, achieving a 3.4% cut instead of the planned 3.9%, raising doubts about its path to carbon neutrality
• This comes despite record growth in renewable energy output and ongoing efforts to transition its economy
• Experts warn the shortfall could undermine global climate goals

🔭 The context: Carbon intensity measures emissions per unit of GDP and is a key metric in China’s climate policy
• The country aims to reduce carbon intensity by 18% from 2020 to 2025 and reach peak emissions before 2030
• Surging energy demand and increased reliance on coal due to hydropower disruptions have hindered progress

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: China is the world’s largest emitter, responsible for about 30% of global emissions, making its climate performance critical to limiting global warming to 1.5°C
• Missing reduction targets puts additional pressure on other nations to compensate
• Climate failures in China could accelerate global environmental degradation

⏭️ What's next: Beijing is expected to release new emissions targets for 2026–2030 alongside its next five-year plan
• Greater structural reforms in energy and manufacturing will be needed to meet long-term carbon neutrality goals
• Analysts warn these changes must begin well before 2035

💬 One quote: “Achieving carbon neutrality will require many more structural changes in China’s energy sector and economy as a whole.” — Yao Zhe, Global Policy Adviser, Greenpeace East Asia

📈 One stat: China met about 75% of its incremental energy demand in 2024 – roughly 500 out of 610 terawatt hours – with renewable energy

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