Major Concerns Of Climate Change In China

MAJOR CONCERNS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN CHINA 10 Major Concerns of Climate Change in China Student’s Name

China is one of the critical countries in the world, which are considered to significantly contribute to the issue of climate change. Research indicates that China produces over 6,000 megatons of carbon dioxide every year. The increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is associated with an increase in global warming, which perpetrates the climate change. To this end, China is regarded as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases across the globe based on absolute terms, contributing to about 22 percent of the total emissions (Held, Nag & Roger, 2011).

At present, China’s greenhouse gases emissions have surpassed the global per capita average, following a growth of over 200 percent from 1990 to 2008. This rise is largely driven by China’s appetite for economic growth, with fossil fuels being central to industrial development. Despite international efforts to mitigate climate change, there is concern that emissions might increase between 55 and 75 percent by 2025 (Held, Nag & Roger, 2011). This raises urgent discussions about China's major concerns regarding climate change, especially as their actions significantly impact global environmental health.

Overview of the Issue of Climate Change in China

The Chinese government has established policies aimed at governing climate change effectively, enhancing domestic capacity for managing energy use and emissions, and supporting commitments that decrease future international emissions. China recognizes the necessity to reduce greenhouse gases and mitigate climate impacts as essential steps toward a healthier global environment (Lipin, 2016). International negotiations, such as those under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), have sought to develop comprehensive mechanisms to curb carbon emissions globally.

Despite being among the world's largest polluters, China has faced increased scrutiny from the international community. With a population exceeding 1.3 billion, China has been reluctant to fully comply with binding emission reduction commitments promoted by international organizations. Chinese policymakers often argue that developed nations like the United States should lead in mitigation efforts due to their historical contribution to emissions. They emphasize that China’s emissions are partly driven by the need to produce goods exported to developed countries, and that outsourcing harmful industrial processes should be considered in equitable responsibility discussions (Held, Nag & Roger, 2011).

In response, China has taken domestic measures to address climate concerns. These include reforming energy sector institutions, investing in renewable energy, and improving policies for energy efficiency. Chinese authorities have shifted from initial resistance to embrace technology transfer, funding mechanisms, and voluntary governance arrangements that complement international efforts to address climate change without solely relying on multilateral agreements (Lipin, 2016). Such efforts demonstrate China’s recognition of its pivotal role in global environmental health.

Concerns of the Chinese Government

The primary concerns driving China's climate policies are rooted in economic stability, political sovereignty, and social well-being. Chinese policymakers prioritize maintaining economic growth and improving the living standards of their citizens, which influences their approach to climate change mitigation (Held, Nag & Roger, 2011). Energy security is also a significant concern, involving reliable and affordable access to energy sources critical for industrial activity and national stability.

Environmental vulnerability, including the risks of pollution, resource depletion, and climate-related disasters, further heightens these concerns. China’s rapid economic development has led to increased demand for land, water, and energy, resulting in widespread environmental degradation, including deforestation, desertification, and pollution. These environmental challenges threaten public health and threaten economic sustainability, prompting the government to balance development goals with environmental protections.

Economic and Environmental Concerns

Since 1980, China's GDP has grown by over 1110 percent (measured in PPP), propelling China to the second-largest economy globally. This economic ascension has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, yet it has come at a high environmental cost. The increase in resource demand has caused significant land, water, and energy depletion, with pollution levels rising sharply. Environmental degradation costs are estimated at 8–12 percent of China’s GDP, highlighting the economic toll of environmental neglect (Wu et al., 2018).

Furthermore, resource depletion and environmental pollution pose grave threats to public health, incurring additional societal costs. Decision-makers recognize that sustainable development requires integrating environmental considerations into economic planning. Measures such as investing in renewable energy, promoting energy conservation, and adopting cleaner industrial practices reflect this shift, though they remain challenging amid ongoing growth pressures.

Energy Concerns in China

China’s economic expansion hinges heavily on energy consumption. The country is the world’s second-largest energy consumer and producer, with coal dominating its energy mix—accounting for approximately 68 percent of total energy use (Wu et al., 2018). The reliance on coal, an emissions-intensive fuel, makes China responsible for a significant share of global CO₂ emissions. Coal reserves are plentiful, with an estimated 120 billion tons—about 15 percent of world reserves—yet dependence on this fossil fuel exacerbates environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Alongside coal, oil and natural gas form vital components of China’s energy consumption. Oil represents around 19 percent of total energy use, mainly supporting transportation and industrial activities. Natural gas’s role is expanding rapidly, as China seeks cleaner alternatives to coal, with its share in the energy mix increasing (Wu et al., 2018). However, the transition to greener energy sources remains slow due to infrastructural and economic constraints.

International Policy Concerns

China’s foreign policy is shaped by historical, political, and normative factors, including its emphasis on sovereignty, global image, and fairness. China prioritizes safeguarding its territorial integrity and political independence, which influences its stance on climate commitments. Negotiators argue that historically, developed nations have contributed more to cumulative emissions, and thus, responsibility for mitigation should be differentiated (Bjørkum, 2005).

China also aims to maintain its international reputation as a responsible rising power, emphasizing its commitment to multilateralism and peaceful development. Its engagement with climate agreements, including the Paris Accord, demonstrates efforts to balance economic ambitions with global environmental responsibilities (Engels, 2018). These diplomatic considerations impact China’s climate strategies, often leading to cautious yet progressive policies that aim to project stability and cooperation without compromising sovereignty.

Conclusion

China’s role in global climate change mitigation is complex, driven by economic growth, energy security, environmental sustainability, and international diplomacy. While critics often view China as a reluctant participant in global efforts, substantial domestic reforms and commitment to renewable energy investments illustrate its acknowledgment of the urgency of climate action (Wiener, 2007). The country’s balance between safeguarding economic development and reducing environmental impact remains challenging, but ongoing policy shifts reflect its evolving understanding of shared global responsibility. As China continues to grow, its climate policies will significantly influence the global trajectory toward a sustainable future.

References

• Bjørkum, I. (2005). China in the international politics of climate change: a foreign policy analysis. Fridtjof Nansen Institute.
• Engels, A. (2018). Understanding how China is championing climate change mitigation. Palgrave Communications, 4(1), 101.
• Held, D., Nag, E. M., & Roger, C. (2011). The Governance of Climate Change in China: Preliminary Report. LSE-AFD Climate Governance Programme.
• Lipin, T. (2016). Climate Change in China: Exploring Informants' Perceptions of Climate Change through a Qualitative Approach.
• Wiener, J. (2007). Climate change policy and policy change in China. UCLA Law Review, 55, 1805.
• Wu, J., Qu, J., Li, H., Xu, L., Zhang, H., Aryal, S., & Liu, X. (2018). What affects Chinese residents’ perceptions of climate change? Sustainability, 10(12), 4712.
• Yu, H., Wang, B., Zhang, Y. J., Wang, S., & Wei, Y. M. (2013). Public perception of climate change in China: Results from the questionnaire survey. Natural Hazards, 69(1).