Abstract
China’s climate change strategy has evolved significantly over the past decade. Previously, climate policy was included in China’s energy consumption and economic development policy; however, around 2010, China started formulating specific mitigation and adaptation policies. However, China’s position in climate change mitigation is unique. Beijing produces more greenhouse gas emissions than the rest of the world combined. However, it also produces more solar power, wind power, and electric cars than any other country—making it both the firefighter and the arsonist. Within this context, this chapter will focus on China’s overall stance on climate change. This will include an elaboration on China’s position on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals regarding the environment and climate change and Beijing’s stance towards the Paris Summit. The chapter will also examine China’s position on climate change within the context of BRICS.
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Notes
- 1.
The Copenhagen Accord emerged from the 2009 UNFCCC conference and marked a significant shift in international climate negotiations. While it was not a legally binding treaty, it introduced the concept of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to emissions reductions. China pledged to reduce its carbon intensity under the Copenhagen Accord, signalling a willingness to engage more actively in climate action.
- 2.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 under the UNFCCC, represents a landmark international climate accord. China played a pivotal role in the negotiations and was a key signatory to the agreement. Under the Paris Agreement, China committed to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and increase the share of non-fossil fuel energy in its total energy consumption.
- 3.
The Kyoto Protocol, established in 1997 as an extension of the UNFCCC, introduced legally binding emissions reduction targets for developed countries. While China was exempt from mandatory emissions reductions as a developing country, its participation in the Kyoto Protocol negotiations and discussions raised awareness of climate change issues within the Chinese government and the public.
- 4.
The anti-incinerator protests in China result from widespread public distrust and opposition to proposed projects in various provinces, driven by concerns about environmental and health risks as well as perceived transparency issues in decision-making processes. The affected communities fear adverse effects on air and water quality, public health, and the overall environment.
- 5.
Diplomatic envoys from Kiribati, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, and Vanuatu were in attendance.
- 6.
The goal of advancing towards an “ecological civilization” is to encourage enhanced preservation of natural resources, promote low-carbon development, increase resource recycling, and nurture an ecological mindset. This policy framework advocates for reductions in carbon emissions and water usage, enhancing water quality and biodiversity protection, responsible land use and development, and integrating environmental principles into industrial structures and urban planning. This concept was introduced into the CCP’s constitution in 2012.
- 7.
Emerging powers, also known as emerging economies or growing nations, represent countries undergoing a phase of rapid industrialization and substantial economic expansion. They are in the process of shifting from developing economies to becoming influential participants in global affairs, marked by growing political clout, economic prowess, and technological advancements.
- 8.
The country in the role of chair is tasked with defining the agenda for the BRICS Summit and selecting the main subjects and matters to be deliberated upon during the sessions. This necessitates engaging in discussions with other member states to ensure that their concerns and interests are taken into account.
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de Kluiver, J. (2024). China’s Evolving Climate Change Strategy: a Dual Role in Mitigation and Adaptation. In: Solomon, H., Solomon, S., Gupta, B. (eds) BRICS and Climate Change. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-5532-5_6
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