China could lead the world to net zero
China could lead the world to net zero
China, with an 18% share of the global population, uses 26% of the world’s primary energy and emits 33% of the world’s energy-related CO2. The energy transition unfolding in the country isn’t merely a national affair as its ramifications echo globally, explains Mahnaz Hadizadeh, a researcher for con...
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/17669528
They should. If their socioeconomic system truly is more people-oriented than the western and given its size, then this would be a great showcase.
Since when do they care about any people?
What the care about is looks. Hence they even spray paint dead grass to look green. Or plant stones on metal posts to look like vegetation. Actually fixing the pollution? No.
Well there's data on drastic standard of living improvements over time and some specific policies that prioritize people over capital. At the same time they're not universal and there's still plenty of labor exploitation, lack of universal safety nets, environment destruction etc. One could find variables pointing to positive movement though, as well as negative. So I think today it's a bit of an open question whether the party gives a shit about their people and how much. And that's why I'm saying it would be interesting to see where they go in 5 years. Are they still building coal power plants or not. How much renewables have they deployed, nuclear, etc.
socioeconomic system truly is more people-oriented
Oh, yah, the caring and sharing ways of the CCP.
That chart forecasts a consistent large use of coal and a rapid increase in power from oil after 2030. China's progress in renewable energy sources is good news, but these forecasts for coal and oil don't seem to be.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
It is by far the largest global consumer of coal, with more than 50% of worldwide consumption, yet it is also by far the leading installer of renewable energy generation capacity.
There remains, however, some uncertainty over the effectiveness of the future investment strategy of the state as it pivots from property and infrastructure spending toward support for higher-value-adding manufacturing and consumption-led growth in consumer goods and services.
China’s energy usage is slated to peak in 2030 and is set to be followed by a remarkable 20% reduction by 2050 as a result of electrification and efficiency initiatives.
This decline will also be related directly to demographic shifts, including a projected population decrease of 100 million people by mid-century.
Of the 10 world regions in DNV’s forecast, China currently ranks sixth in terms of electrification of demand but it is projected to rise to second place, with electricity comprising 47% of final energy demand by 2050, surpassing Europe and North America and trailing only the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Pacific area.
Sustained cost reductions, due to learning effects, will be the main driver behind the projected increase in solar and wind.
The original article contains 870 words, the summary contains 193 words. Saved 78%. I'm a bot and I'm open source!
This graph sucks so much, like it shows oil etc going Up until, hmm checks notes, today! Then it magically tapers off.