cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/46219067
China is likely to see its emissions fall this year, despite rising power demand, as it continues to build out renewable power at unparalleled speed, a new analysis finds.
Nobody can believe any number comming from China
True. I do believe they’re focused on renewables though, because they produce little or no oil and don’t want to be dependent on others or vulnerable via the Strait of Hormuz. They have plenty of coal but they know they can’t rely on it because the air pollution will kill them all.
I don’t think the killing them all part is necessarily a motivator. Perhaps more so that solar and wind have become price competitive, and that investing in renewables have the additional benefit of helping China lead in these crucial areas.
Solar has become price competitive largely because of innovation and commodification in Chinese manufacture of solar panels. Their centrally managed economy prioritized this when their major cities became engulfed in deadly clouds of air pollution from coal plants. The CCP understand that human labor is their primary resource. They don’t protect people out of caring, but out of self preservation.
It also builds coal power plants. How is it going to reduce emissions exactly?