Clean-energy development in China

Abstract

Abstract In June, China announced its 2030 target to cut its greenhouse-gas emissions per unit of gross domestic product by 60%–65% from 2005 levels. To achieve the goal, it would increase the share of non-fossil fuels as part of its primary energy consumption to 20% by 2030 and aim to peak emissions around the same time. As world's largest carbon emitter, the announcement is widely hailed not only as a strong impetus for the UN climate talks, which are convened in Paris this month, but a solution to the country's unprecedented choking pollution. In a forum chaired by National Science Review's executive associate editor Mu-ming Poo, four panelists from diverse backgrounds discuss how clean-energy development could help China to fight against air pollution and meet its 2030 target, what sorts of policies need to be in place, and what the main challenges are.