Can China solve the global climate catastrophe?

This article appeared in Journal of Contemporary China. https://doi.org/10.1080/10670564.2026.2747620

ABSTRACT

At a time of unprecedented environmental crisis, when the second Trump administration has abandoned even the pretence of combating climate change, ideas addressing this existential threat should be welcomed. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) may be the largest emitter of carbon pollution in the world, but it is also the world’s biggest investor in renewable energy. China is transforming its domestic energy profile, and facilitating a greater uptake of environmentally sustainable policies elsewhere. 

Given a demonstrated record of achievement and an apparent commitment to promoting environmentally sustainable policies at home and abroad, Chinese ideas about ‘saving the planet’ deserve to be taken seriously. This paper offers a critical review of these initiatives and assesses China’s prospects for leading in environmental policies. 

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