China is the world's largest emitter, and despite its high economic growth rate (which would serve to increase emissions) it's doing a lot to reduce emissions:
China installed 45-50% of all solar globally in both 2017 and 2018. It accounted for half of all electric vehicle sales globally in 2018 and is the world’s largest miner and processor of lithium and rare earths.
China is on a clear path towards decarbonisation and is a world leader in zero emission technologies of the future.
In May 2019, China’s National Development and Reform Commission announced a tender for 21GW of renewable energy, an investment program of US$25bn. This is the largest renewable energy investment in global history, and there is no subsidy support.
What about countries which emit much less than China—like Australia? Does that mean they shouldn't bother about trying to cut emissions? No. 43.2% of emissions come from countries which individually emit less than 2% of total emissions. For them to not act would be like saying, it's OK to chuck my rubbish out of the car window as I drive along, because after all I'm only one among many.
If every country committed to cutting emissions by at least 3.5% per annum, the world would reduce emissions by 2/3rds by 2050, 75% by 2060, and 84% by 2070. This isn't fast enough, but it's far far better than nothing. And the point is, with renewables plunging in cost, and EVs getting cheaper every year, we could eliminate 2/3rds of emissions by 2040. That equates to an compound annual reduction of around 5%. It's feasible. There's hope. Let's keep fighting.
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