COP28 explainer: why hasn’t China signed the tripling renewables pledge?

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🗞️ Driving the news: At COP28, around 100 countries pledged to triple renewable energy use by 2030 
• However, China, the world's largest emitter, has not joined this commitment, likely due to the fact that it commits signatories to ending investment in new coal-fired power plants
• It is also alleged that China did not sign due to the country’s historical reluctance to sign any declarations, initiatives and statements at COP28

🔭 The context: China's rapid economic growth has been accompanied by a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions
• Despite being a global leader in renewable energy, especially in solar and wind, China still heavily relies on coal
• Its reluctance to join the renewables pledge raises questions about its climate commitments

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: China's participation or absence in global climate pledges like tripling renewable energy is crucial due to its significant impact on global emissions
• The country's actions have a substantial influence on global efforts to combat climate change and transition to renewable energy

⏭️ What's next: The focus will be on how China balances its economic growth with environmental responsibilities
• The international community anticipates China's future climate strategies and how they align with global efforts to curb emissions and foster renewable energy adoption

💬 One quote: ”It is disappointing that China has not yet shown climate leadership [by signing on to the global pledge],” (Camilla Fenning, programme lead at think tank E3G)

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