China’s Carbon Neutral Opportunity: Economic Growth Driven By Ambitious Climate Action

China’s Carbon Neutral Opportunity: Economic Growth Driven By Ambitious Climate Action

Share to Linkedin China energized international climate ambitions in 2020 by pledging to peak emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality before 2060, building upon an earlier European Union commitment to do the same by 2050. President Biden's election has sparked hope the United States will follow suit at the United Nations' COP26 climate summit in November 2021. Climate ambition on the part of the world's three largest economies could set a new global pace. China and other countries are recognizing scientific consensus that only rapid decarbonization can prevent dangerous climate change impacts. And China also has a strong incentive to reduce local air pollution, a highly visible and deadly problem. TAIZHOU, CHINA - JANUARY 13, 2021 - Aerial photo taken on January 13, 2021 shows more than 500 mu of ... [+] photovoltaic panels lined up in the rising sun in Shangzhang township, Xianju county, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China.- PHOTOGRAPH BY Costfoto / Barcroft Studios / Future Publishing (Photo credit should read Costfoto/Barcroft Media via Getty Images) But new research shows the growing economic advantages of stronger climate policies could be a principal reason China chooses to increase its climate ambition. As clean energy becomes ever cheaper, the