China’s carbon dioxide emissions set to hit all-time high in 2023 based on current projections, topping 2021 peak: report
- Carbon emissions by the world’s top emitter grew 4 per cent in the first quarter of 2023 compared to a year earlier to hit a record high
- Higher emissions driven by economic rebound after the end of long zero-Covid policy, stimulus measures and weak hydropower generation
China’s carbon dioxide emissions are set to hit an all-time high in 2023 based on first-quarter trends and domestic projections, likely topping the previous peak in 2021, according to a new report.
Emissions were estimated from data from the National Bureau of Statistics, China customs data on imports and exports and financial data services provider Wind Information’s data on changes in inventories, compiled by CREA and Carbon Brief. The first quarter usually has the lowest emissions each year, as it includes the annual Lunar New Year celebrations, according to the report.
“Looking at the rest of the year, the government’s focus on economic growth means that China’s emissions are likely to reach an all-time high in 2023, topping the previous peak in 2021,” CREA’s lead analyst Lauri Myllyvirta and China analyst Qi Qin wrote in a report published by Carbon Brief.
China installed 125GW of new wind farm and solar projects last year, crossing the 100GW threshold for the third straight year and setting a new record, the NEA said in February.