China’s role in tackling climate change

The rapid expansion of China’s economy, particularly between 2000 and 2010, meant that it overtook the United States as the largest country emitter of greenhouse gas emissions. However, China also developed an understanding of the damage being created within its own boundaries and across the world from the burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal. The growing impacts on lives and livelihoods from local air pollution and climate change, including heatwaves and flooding, are undermining efforts to overcome poverty and raise living standards.

China’s efforts, including through its Five-Year Plans, to reduce its own emissions and its role in international climate policy-making is of immense global importance. The Institute has recognised this from its foundation and maintained it as a focus of its work. Engagements have been carried out with scholars in China and around the world, as well as with China’s decision-makers, including through the annual China Development Forum.