China’s Role in Global Climate Change Mitigation

Ross Garnaut*

Abstract

China contributed a majority of the growth in global greenhouse gas emissions in the first 11 years of this century. The trajectory of emissions has changed radically since then, as China has implemented its Cancun 2010 commitment to reduce the 2005 emissions intensity of economic activity by 40–45 percent by 2020. The change in trajectory has been reinforced by China’s new model of economic growth, with its greater emphasis on equity in income distribution, consumption and services. The large-scale deployment of low emissions technology in China is lowering the cost of transition to a low carbon economy all over the world. China’s new emissions trajectory improves the opportunity for the international community to meet the 2°C climate target. It is essential that the changes in China are brought to account in shaping global mitigation ambition.

Key words: climate change policy, energy, low carbon economy, renewable energy
JEL codes: Q54, Q58, O44