One of the most impactful actions China could take to reduce its GHG emissions further would be for the political leadership to halt the approval and construction of new coal-fired power plants nationwide.

China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), is at a critical juncture. The nation’s efforts to curb its emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy are shaped by a complex interplay of political forces, from top-down policy directives to evolving public sentiment. While challenges remain, the country’s trajectory is increasingly defined by ambitious goals and a growing capacity for change.

1. Political Leadership: A Top-Down Mandate

Under President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government has made climate change a national priority. Xi’s “dual carbon” pledge—to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060—serves as the overarching framework for all climate policy. This top-down approach has been integrated into the country’s “1+N” policy system, where the “1” is the high-level plan and the “N” represents detailed implementation plans across sectors such as energy, industry, and transportation.

The central government’s green development philosophy is a powerful driver. Performance in environmental protection has been incorporated into the evaluation criteria for local officials, creating a strong incentive to align with national goals. However, some studies suggest that local officials may still prioritize short-term economic growth, creating a complex dynamic in which emissions can fluctuate with political cycles. Despite this, the national commitment has resulted in significant policy actions, including the establishment of a national Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the introduction of a new Energy Law to promote renewable energy.

2. Technical Capacity: A Clean Energy Juggernaut

China’s technical capacity to monitor, assess, and reduce GHG emissions is formidable and rapidly expanding. The country has made significant strides in building and supporting renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in solar and wind power. In fact, China’s installed wind and solar capacity reached 1,200 GW in 2024, six years ahead of schedule.

This technical prowess is also evident in its ability to monitor emissions. China has been working to establish a comprehensive GHG monitoring network to support its carbon peak and neutrality goals. This system utilizes various monitoring technologies and numerical simulations to quantify emissions at national, provincial, and even individual levels. The country is a global leader in the production and export of clean energy technology, including solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, creating a strong economic incentive for continued climate action.

3. The Media: Shaping Perceptions from the Top Down

The Chinese media, largely controlled by the state, plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of climate change. Unlike some Western media outlets, which have historically framed climate change as a matter of debate, Chinese media consistently emphasize the government’s commitment to climate action and present it as a global collective effort.

Reporting often highlights the economic opportunities presented by the transition to a green economy and the government’s efforts to address environmental challenges, such as air pollution, a major concern for many citizens [8, 9]. This top-down communication strategy, which often takes a national-level perspective rather than a personal one, has contributed to high public awareness and a generally positive sentiment towards climate change policies.

4. Popular Opinion: Widespread Concern and Support

Contrary to the perception of a climate-apathetic public, a significant majority of Chinese citizens are highly concerned about climate change. Studies show that a higher percentage of Chinese people believe climate change is a serious threat compared to those in the U.S. and Europe [10]. This concern is linked to personal experiences with extreme weather events and air pollution, which are often seen as synonymous with climate change.

There is also strong public support for government action. Chinese citizens largely consider the central government the most responsible entity for addressing climate change and approve of its contributions. They also show a willingness to take individual action to address the issue. This popular opinion provides a social foundation for the government’s ambitious climate goals.

A Path Forward: Political Commitment to Halt New Coal Plants

One of the most impactful actions China could take to reduce its GHG emissions further would be for the political leadership to halt the approval and construction of new coal-fired power plants nationwide. While the government has pledged to phase down coal use from 2026 and has seen a decrease in the capacity factor of existing plants, new plants are still being approved and built to meet growing energy demand.

A definitive ban on new coal construction would send a powerful signal, both domestically and internationally, of China’s commitment to a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. It would accelerate the country’s transition to a renewable energy-dominated grid, preventing “carbon lock-in” and ensuring that rising energy demand is met by clean sources rather than new, polluting infrastructure. This action, coupled with the continued rapid deployment of wind and solar energy, would significantly strengthen China’s ability to achieve its carbon peak and neutrality goals.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard China Country Manager, Vincent Mao.

Edited by Diana Gastelum.

Learn More References

1. “China’s Policies and Actions on Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality.” Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China. 2024. Link to PDF
2. Watts, Jonathan. “‘There is only one player’: why China is becoming a world leader in green energy.” The Guardian. 7 September 2025. Link to article
3. Zheng, Y., & Li, C. “The Political Dynamics of Carbon Emissions: Evidence from Chinese Firms.” Taylor & Francis Online. 2025. Link to article
4. Liu, X., et al. “Political Sensitivity and Carbon Emissions: Evidence From a Quasi-Natural Experiment of Leadership Change in China.” Frontiers in Energy Research. 2022. Link to article
5. “China.” Climate Action Tracker. 2025. Link to article
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7. Deng, X., et al. “Monitoring greenhouse gases (GHGs) in China: status and perspective.” Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. 2022. Link to article
8. Yang, Z., et al. “Framing Climate Change.” International Journal of Communication. 2016. Link to article
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11. Liu, J. C. “Public opinion on climate change in China—Evidence from two national surveys.” PLOS Climate. 2023. Link to article
12. “S&P Global notes China approved record-breaking coal capacity in 2022.” S&P Global. 2023. Link to report