Coal plants in China soar despite President Xi's pledge to 'strictly control' dirtiest fuel

[Social Media]

 

Amidst global efforts to combat climate change, new analysis reveals a concerning trend: China significantly increased its coal power capacity in 2023, despite previous pledges to "strictly control" this fossil fuel. The addition of 47.4 Gigawatts (GW) of new coal power in China surpasses the combined amount added by the rest of the world, raising alarms about the impact on climate change and air pollution.

 

This surge in coal power capacity comes at a critical juncture, with UN climate chief Simon Stiell warning that humanity has "two years to save the world." The move contradicts China's promise to reduce coal consumption starting in 2026 and align with the Paris Agreement on climate.

 

Meanwhile, global coal capacity outside China also increased for the first time since 2019, signaling a concerning reversal of the commitment made at the COP26 climate conference to transition away from coal. While some analysts view this as a potential "blip," others, like Marshall Islands climate envoy Tina Stege, condemn fossil fuel support as "unacceptable."

 

Professor Piers Forster of the UK government's Climate Change Committee echoes these concerns, emphasizing the need for strong regulations to prevent the utilization of excess coal power capacity. The proliferation of coal plants in China, despite President Xi's pledge to control new coal power, raises questions about the country's commitment to climate action.

 

However, experts point out that the increase in coal power capacity may not necessarily lead to a corresponding rise in CO2 emissions, as China is also expanding its renewable energy capacities. China has made significant strides in solar power and is on track to achieve its 2030 clean power goals ahead of schedule.

 

Yet, challenges persist, including power shortage fears exacerbated by a recent drought that impacted hydropower supplies. The rigid grid system in China makes it difficult for provinces to share power, leading many to invest in their own coal plants.

 

Moreover, China is not alone in its reliance on coal power, as seven other countries also added new coal capacity in 2023. However, the global increase in coal power is partly attributed to wealthy countries delaying plant closures amid energy crises.

 

As the world grapples with the urgent need to mitigate climate change, the reliance on coal power underscores the imperative to accelerate the transition to clean energy alternatives. With coal power remaining a major source of emissions globally, decisive action is needed to phase out this fossil fuel and avert catastrophic consequences for the planet.

 

16.04.24

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[Skipalongcassidy]

And the chinese government has the betterment of the world as a priority... hahahaha

[JonnyF]

Climate cultists can relax. To counteract Chinas actions, 76 year old Mrs Jones from number 20 is going to be banned from using a gas boiler during the long cold UK winter.

 

Can someone send Indigo Rumbelow from Just Stop Oil to China to glue herself to the Beijing highway, this simply has to stop .

 

I've had enough, I cant just stand by.  I'm in the market for a lithium/cobalt rich BYD electric vehicle from ummmm,  China. I'm sure their factories are carbon neutral, powered by sunflower oil and that their employees have all the protections we have come to expect in the west.