A new research report indicates that mainland China, along with the United States, is rapidly taking on a leading role in addressing global climate change, but the report also warns that global greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase significantly. This report, titled "The Critical Decade: International Action on Climate Change," reviews actions taken over the past nine months and was compiled by the Climate Commission, an independent body based in Australia.
Tim Flannery, a co-author of the report and a key figure on the Climate Commission, said that China's electricity demand growth rate has halved, its renewable energy capacity has increased significantly, and its emissions growth rate has decreased faster than expected. Whatever the reasons, these achievements carry weight. China has rapidly risen to a prominent position among the leaders on climate change.
The report indicates that mainland China invested $65.1 billion in clean energy in 2012, a 20% increase from 2011. This is the highest among G20 countries, accounting for 30% of the total investment last year. The United States ranked second, investing $35.6 billion in renewable energy. Flannery points out that within one year, global renewable energy surged, with solar power capacity increasing by 42% and wind power capacity increasing by 21%.
In contrast to the surge in global renewable energy investment, the report shows that global carbon emissions continue to increase strongly, posing a serious risk to global society.
The United Nations began a five-day meeting in Bonn, Germany on the 28th, hoping to promote action to curb climate change. The main purpose of the meeting is to formulate new global strategies to address warming after 2020. According to media reports, participating countries hope to establish further greenhouse gas emission regulations and strive to extend them to all countries by the end of 2015.
Currently, the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, which only governs emission reduction obligations for "developed countries," has begun. The second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol runs from 2013 to 2020; however, Japan has refused to participate, and the United States has not ratified it.
Sources: China National Radio (2013-04-28)
