China Falls Short on 2024 Climate Target as Emissions Rise Slightly

Official data shows carbon intensity reduction missed the annual goal, signaling challenges ahead for China's Paris Agreement commitments.

• China's carbon intensity fell by 3.4% in 2024, below the official target of 3.9%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
• This shortfall leaves China behind on its 2021-2025 goal of an 18% reduction in carbon intensity and complicates its longer-term Paris Agreement pledge to cut carbon intensity by 65% from 2005 levels by 2030.
• Despite record renewable energy capacity additions, coal remained dominant, providing over half of China's energy in 2024, while total energy consumption rose by 4.3%.
• Experts note that rapid industrial growth is outpacing clean energy infrastructure expansion, delaying progress toward emissions reductions and a sustainable energy transition.
• China is expected to announce updated emissions and energy targets in its 15th Five-Year Plan later this year, along with submitting revised Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

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CNA