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How has China's environmental policies and legislation impacted climate change globally?

Jessenia Maisey

China, with its massive population and rapid industrialization, has been known for contributing significantly to the global climate change crisis. However, in recent years, China's environmental policies and legislation have undergone significant changes, which have had an impact on climate change globally.

One of the essential aspects of China's environmental policies is its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. In 2020, China pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2060, aiming to peak its carbon emissions by 2030, which may have a profound effect on global climate change. According to a recent study, if China fulfills its carbon neutrality pledge, it could reduce the global temperature rise by 0.25-0.3°C by the end of the century. This reduction may seem small, but it's significant because it would bring the world closer to reaching the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement.

China's energy sector is one of the significant sources of carbon emissions, primarily due to the country's reliance on coal. However, the Chinese government has been investing heavily in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. By the end of 2019, China had surpassed the US as the world's largest producer of solar and wind power. Furthermore, China aims to generate more than 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2025, which could have a positive impact on global climate change.

Another significant environmental policy implemented by China is the closure of coal mines and reduction of coal consumption. Since 2016, China has shut down more than 9000 coal mines, reducing coal consumption by nearly 4% annually. This move has helped China to lower its carbon emissions, but it also has implications for the global coal industry. The closure of Chinese coal mines may lead to a decrease in coal exports and, consequently, a decline in the global coal industry, which could have a positive impact on the environment.

China's forestation efforts have been commendable in recent years, with more than 70% of forestation going on in China, making the country the leader in global forestation initiative. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air, hence, China's effort in afforestation can contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change.

While China's policies and legislation have had a positive impact on climate change globally, there are challenges to overcome. The country still relies heavily on coal and has the highest number of coal-fired power plants globally, which presents a significant challenge to achieving the carbon neutrality target. Besides, China's economic growth may conflict with its environmental goals, making it difficult to balance environmental concerns and economic growth.

In conclusion, China's environmental policies and legislation have had considerable impacts on climate change globally. While many challenges exist, the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy could significantly reduce the impact of climate change. Hopefully, other countries can learn from China's example and also adopt policies that prioritize the environment and fight against climate change.