China could cut emissions by 30% by ’35 – CREA

China’s carbon dioxide emissions could fall by 30 per cent by 2035, aligning with the Paris Agreement goals, if it submits more ambitious climate pledges to the United Nations next year, according to the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

As the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, China is on track to meet its 2030 climate targets. CREA suggests that China could leverage its renewable energy strengths to achieve even deeper emissions cuts.

CREA highlighted that China’s CO2 emissions may already be in “structural decline” after falling this year. However, there is concern that policymakers may set conservative targets for 2035. China has not yet revealed its new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) but aims to finalise 2035 goals soon.

China has already met key climate targets ahead of schedule, including peaking emissions before 2030 and increasing wind and solar capacity to 1,200 GW six years early.

CREA proposes that China could set a 2035 target of 4,500 GW for wind and solar and reduce emissions in the power sector by at least 30 per cent.