Tue Mar 25 00:35:15 UTC 2025: ## China Misses Key Carbon Emissions Target Despite Renewable Energy Gains

**Taipei, Taiwan** – China has fallen short of its 2024 carbon intensity reduction target, raising concerns about its ability to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The National Bureau of Statistics reported a 3.4% decrease in carbon intensity (emissions per unit of GDP), missing the government’s target of 3.9%. This shortfall also puts China behind its longer-term goal of an 18% reduction between 2020 and 2025.

While China’s economy grew by 5% in 2024, electricity demand surged by 6.8%, and carbon emissions increased by 0.8%. Experts attribute this to a post-pandemic economic rebound fueled by industrial growth and increased energy demand. Record heatwaves further hampered efforts, disrupting hydropower production and leading to increased reliance on coal.

Despite these setbacks, China has made significant progress in renewable energy. Wind, solar, and hydropower met 37.9% of the country’s total energy demand in 2024, with renewables supplying approximately 75% of the increase in energy consumption. This represents a massive investment in clean energy, driven by government policies promoting an “ecological civilization” and initiatives like the world’s largest carbon trading market.

However, analysts warn that achieving carbon neutrality requires more substantial structural changes. While China is on track to peak emissions before 2030, the long-term phase-out of coal remains uncertain. The upcoming release of China’s next five-year plan, including new carbon emissions targets for 2026-2030, will be crucial in determining the country’s trajectory towards its carbon neutrality goal. The world watches closely, as China’s success or failure will significantly impact global efforts to limit temperature increases.

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