China’s worst power shortages in decades may invite some resistance from sceptical delegates at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) if, as many expect, Beijing commits to accelerating its environmental efforts at the event in Glasgow.

Inflation in the US, which has been above 5 per cent for four straight months, could soon become a global phenomenon, CME economist Erik Norland says.

Most G20 countries lack policies to attract investments in zero emissions and climate-resilient transition, says a study by three major investor groups.

As electric vehicles go mainstream, battery makers are working on viable options to lithium-ion packs. While companies make rapid progress on sodium-ion cells, its use in EVs is still some time away, say analysts.

Sustainable investment is gaining momentum among asset owners and has become the ‘market standard’ in Asia-Pacific, with climate and carbon the main focus areas.

China says electricity generated from coal will be fully liberalised and industrial and commercial users will buy power at market prices.

Power generators could come under pressure by paying near-record coal prices to ramp up supply during the coming winter. Higher electricity prices may be needed to ease the pain.

Chinese state media has portrayed her return as a sign of a strong, resilient country and a diplomatic victory for Beijing.

The deal to free Meng appears to have resulted in China releasing detained Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who are also flying home.

Many Chinese companies have warned about the impact of the ongoing power cuts on their operations because of local governments’ need to meet their energy consumption targets, causing their share prices to plunge.

The 1.07 billion yuan project shows China’s capability and determination to bet on technological endeavours towards peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2060.

The government plan sets out targets for phasing out single-use plastics, boosting recycling and promoting alternatives to plastic in a bid to curb pollution and help meet the country’s carbon neutrality targets.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are expected to become increasingly important to institutional investors in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a survey conducted by French bank BNP Paribas.

The initiative is part of China’s plan to prod the major emitters of greenhouse gases to help achieve the nation’s twin climate goals, for carbon emissions to peak before 2030 and to achieve net zero emission by 2060.

The residential sector is the second-largest consumer of energy and source of primary carbon emissions, just behind industries. However, carbon reduction from small behavioural changes is a fraction compared to emissions from industrial activities.

China’s national emissions trading scheme could play an important role in its carbon-neutrality drive by potentially reducing carbon emissions by 30 per cent to 60 per cent of current levels by 2060.

China gently eased big emitters into carbon trading with the launch of the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange. Now policymakers will have to introduce a market-based pricing mechanism, tighter regulations and further reforms to reach its carbon neutrality goal, analysts say.

Authorities will need better systems for the storage, supply and drainage of water to enhance China’s resilience against floods and droughts, complete with early warning systems, enhanced monitoring and forecasts of meteorological and hydrological capabilities, experts said.

Xie Zhenhua, China’s top climate diplomat, said on Tuesday that it was more important for countries to pool resources to innovate and share technology to reduce the cost of low carbon energy solutions, than to wrangle over whether to upgrade global goals to keep global warming at 1.5 degrees instead of 2 degrees.

Only 15 per cent of China’s newly added post-Covid-19 national and municipal bonds went to green, sustainable, or low-carbon projects, says Greenpeace.

Huawei and ZTE are helping companies increase energy efficiency and are supporting renewable energy projects with their information and communications technology.

The world’s largest iPhone factory is raising its cash rewards for new workers to yet another record-high amid record levels of rainfall that have led to the death of at least 56 people and displaced more than 7.5 million.

China’s most valuable technology company comes under scrutiny for its dominance in the country’s online music-streaming business.

Carbon trading is a key plank of Beijing’s policies to reach its carbon-neutrality goals by 2060.

Low prices used to be a major factor driving Chinese consumers of second-hand products, but now they have one more reason to be frugal – fighting climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of their lifestyles.

Draft law aims to better regulate public surveillance while also protecting the privacy and property rights of citizens.

In a speech given in May, Ren said that the company must avoid turning inward and learn from the US

China’s southern tech hub of Shenzhen will provide support to the local e-commerce sector in a bid to cultivate its own online shopping giant.

Tencent and Alibaba remain the only Chinese names in the top 10 list of most valuable brands in the world, with the list still dominated by US tech giants.

Liu’s comments comes as many tech tycoons continue to lay low amid regulatory scrutiny