Why China’s emissions may soon be falling – The Climate Show with Tom Heap
Shipping is a major contributor to pollution, including global warming and air pollution. In Portsmouth, efforts are being made to address these issues. Additionally, China is experiencing a green revolution with increasing investments in solar and wind power, as well as electric vehicles. This has led to predictions that China’s emissions will decline from next year. In order to combat pollution, Portsmouth is implementing a project called Sea Change, which allows ships to plug in and run on electricity while in port. This initiative aims to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. The cost of implementing these changes is significant, but it is a necessary step towards achieving net zero goals by 2050. Furthermore, Brittany Ferries is building hybrid gas-electric vessels that can be powered by electricity when in port, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions. However, the use of fossil fuels is still necessary due to the lack of available technology for clean fuels. Despite this, China’s progress in clean energy installation is impressive, with a significant increase in solar power capacity. This shift is due to the Chinese government’s efforts to shift investments from real estate to clean energy. As a result, there is no longer space for power generation from polluting energy sources. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years as China’s local governments have set targets for clean energy installation.
Up to 2025, there is strong policy support and enthusiasm for clean energy development in China. The country is already a leader in clean energy, particularly in solar, wind, and nuclear power. However, China’s emissions have continued to increase, which has been a setback for global climate action. If the current trend in clean energy continues, we can expect to see China’s emissions start to decline, which would have a significant impact on global emission levels and position China as a climate leader.
In terms of government stability and ambition, there have been frequent changes in ministers within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This lack of continuity and joined-up thinking between different government departments is concerning for addressing climate and nature-related issues. Some policies, such as the implementation of the Environment Act and the elimination of deforestation from supply chains, have been delayed due to these changes in leadership.
For example, the secondary legislation needed to remove deforestation from supply chains has not yet been finalized, despite the introduction of the Environment Act two years ago. This legislation is crucial to ensure that products, like chicken fed with soy from deforested land, do not contribute to deforestation. Businesses, including major supermarkets, have committed to removing deforestation from their supply chains by 2025, but they require the necessary legislation to do so effectively.
Another important area that needs attention is land use strategy. Successive ministers have promised a strategy to reach nutritional targets, nature targets, and climate targets, but it has not been implemented yet. It is essential to address the way we use our land to achieve these goals.
As for the new Secretary of State for DEFRA, Steve Barkley, he represents an intensively farmed area and should focus on supporting farmers to restore nature and produce food sustainably. Issues related to rivers and water pollution should also be addressed, holding water companies and agricultural producers accountable for the damage they cause.
The fashion industry has a reputation for waste and environmental harm. However, a partnership between a warehouse in East London and the outdoor clothing brand Patagonia aims to extend the life of garments and provide employment opportunities. The warehouse has a repair center where garments are repaired instead of being discarded. The goal is to repair over 30,000 items of clothing by 2025 and reduce landfill waste.
