China estimates greenhouse gas emissions will reach 13 billion tonnes in 2021
China's latest official submission to United Nations was published on Friday by the state media. It said that China had emitted climate-warming, greenhouse gases of 13 billion metric tonnes in 2021. This is an increase of 4.3% compared to a year ago.
This is the most recent official calculation of China's annual greenhouse gas emissions. China is by far the largest carbon polluter in the world. The latest official estimate measured total emissions of 11.55 billion tones in 2017.
China, as a signatory of the Paris Agreement is now required to submit detailed emission numbers every two-years, along with progress reports on adaptation and mitigation to climate change.
China's first biannual report, which was formally presented to the United Nations climate body end of December, revealed that annual greenhouse gas emission - including methane, carbon dioxide and other gases - has risen more than 70% from 2005 due to the surge in energy demand. In 2021, energy sector emissions will account for 11 billion tonnes or 76.9%.
In 2021, the emissions of cement were 802 millions tons, a 3.2% decrease from the previous year due to the decline in clinker production. The emissions from steel smelting fell by 2.3%, to 65.5 millions tons.
China wants to reach a CO2 peak by 2030. However, it has a difficult time meeting a 2025 interim goal to reduce the amount of CO2 produced for every unit of economic growth between 2021-2025.
Beijing will likely release the updated climate targets for 2035 to the United Nations by February. State think tanks have recommended that the government include a pledge to reduce total emission for the first time, and to double renewable capacities by 2030.
China's report, published on Friday said that it will need to spend 26,8 trillion yuan (3.66 trillion dollars) starting in 2024 to achieve its goal of becoming "carbon neutral" before 2060. David Stanway, Reporter. Gerry Doyle edited the article.
(source: Reuters)
