The climatic vector of ecological and economic modernization of China

Abstract

China plays a key role in the global climate situation, it accounts for 31% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2021. The main problems and achievements of China’s climate policy and the related changes in the economy and environmental development of the country are analyzed. The climate agenda is being implemented along with the task of building an “ecological civilization” (2012). The institutional framework for the implementation of China’s climate policy, including the activities of the National Plan on Climate Change for 2014-2020 and five-year plans, was considered. In parallel with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, much attention is paid to combating air pollution, especially in cities. China has made significant progress in carbon dioxide sequestration, ranking first in the world in terms of forest plantations. Despite China’s leading position in the use of renewable energy sources, electricity consumption from fossil fuels (mainly coal) is still high. On the basis of statistical data, the dynamics of greenhouse gas emissions in the context of energy development since the 1990s is considered. The achievements of the People’s Republic of China in the field of modernization of a number of sectors of the economy are analyzed: the development of solar and wind energy, increasing energy efficiency in industry, construction and the transformation of transport. Success in this direction was demonstrated during the preparation and hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Despite the obvious success of China, its contribution to the achievement of the Paris Agreement goals is assessed as insufficient.