China is responsible for nearly 30 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions. What it does to curb those will be crucial in the battle to stop global heating. Last week the economic powerhouse moved ahead with a national carbon trading scheme as part of efforts to see emissions peak by 2030, and for the country to be carbon-neutral by 2060. Lucy Craymer explains what the country is actually aiming for and what that means for the health of the globe.

What is the current situation?

China is home to around 18 per cent of the world’s population and responsible for 28 per cent of global manufacturing. Its huge manufacturing sector, coal-fired power plants and steel and concrete production all emit gases that contribute to climate change.

But in September last year, China’s President Xi Jinping announced that China will boost its efforts to tackle climate change; that carbon dioxide emissions will peak before 2030; and the country will reach carbon neutrality before 2060.

Read the full article on the Stuff website, featuring Jorrit Gosens

Image credit: Bret Arnett/Flickr