China's share in the global carbon emissions 2002-2022

 China accounted for 26 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, making it the world's largest emitter that year. China's share of annual greenhouse gas emissions has doubled over the past two decades due to rapid industrialization and economic growth.

Putting emissions into perspective

Running the second-largest economy and producing goods for the rest of the world needs fuel, but that also enables China to have the largest positive impact on the climate. In 2019, the PRC accounted for around a third of global manufacturing. In addition, on a per-person basis, Chinese carbon dioxide emissions are on par with Germany’s and much lower than most developed economies, such as the United States or Japan. However, China’s contribution to reducing carbon emissions will be crucial for achieving global climate goals. 

Energy transition in action

Like most countries, China also finds itself in a tough spot between the economic realities at home and the inevitable fact that climate change is threatening human existence. Every year in spring, the Chinese government sets ambitious growth targets for its economy, which results in growing energy consumption. While the PRC does invest heavily in the expansion of renewable energy sources and the country is one of the global leaders in clean energy, it needs to balance its political and economic interests and distribute its resources accordingly.