Compete for documentation on the rule of china in climate change

1. Course BMEGT42V101
BME International Climate Change Role-Play
Allotted Country China
Team:
• Muneeb Ali
ZGOKE2
Submitted to:
➢ Prof. Gyula Zilahy

2. 1 Table of Contents
Team Members........................................................................................................................................1
Submitted to.............................................................................................................................................1
2 Population geographical location, climate features, characteristics of ecosystems of China..............4
Population:....................................................................................................................................4
Geographical location:..................................................................................................................5
Climate features:...........................................................................................................................6
characteristics of ecosystems of China:........................................................................................7
3 Most pressing environmental and social problems of china................................................................9
Most pressing environmental.......................................................................................................9
Water resources:...................................................................................................................9
Deforestation:.......................................................................................................................9
Coastal reclamation: .......................................................................................................... 10
Climate change:.................................................................................................................. 10
Pollution:............................................................................................................................ 10
Social Problems of China:........................................................................................................... 11
4 The structure of the economy: most important industries of china ................................................. 12
Agriculture: ................................................................................................................................ 12
Energy and mineral resources: .................................................................................................. 13
Mining:....................................................................................................................................... 13
Industry and manufacturing: ..................................................................................................... 13
Automotive industry:................................................................................................................. 14
Tourism: ..................................................................................................................................... 14
5 Sources of GHG emissions, contribution to climate change of china................................................ 15
Energy ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Transport: .................................................................................................................................. 15
International bunkers: .............................................................................................................. 15
Residential, commercial, institutional and AFF:...................................................................... 15
Industry (industrial processes and product use):.................................................................... 16
Waste:........................................................................................................................................ 16

3. Agriculture: ................................................................................................................................ 16
Land use:................................................................................................................................... 16
Other sources:........................................................................................................................... 16
6 How will climate change effect in China the short, medium and long term? ................................... 17
Agriculture ................................................................................................................................. 18
Forest and other natural ecosystems ........................................................................................ 18
Water resource and coastal zone .............................................................................................. 18
7 Country coalition of china?................................................................................................................ 18
8 .What was the position of china in recent climate agreements?...................................................... 20
9 Mitigation of climate change in China ............................................................................................... 21
10 Adaptation to climate change in China.......................................................................................... 23
11 Financing climate change action and the Sustainable Development Mechanism ........................ 24
12 Including emission targets for 2030 and 2050............................................................................... 26
13 References .................................................................................................................................... 28

4. 2 Population geographical location, climate features, characteristics of ecosystems of China
China, officially the People's Republic of China , is a country in East Asia.
It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.428 billion in 2017. Covering
approximately 9.6 million square kilometers (3.7 million mi2), it is the world's third or fourth
largest country by area. Governed by the Communist Party of China, the state exercises jurisdiction over
22 provinces, five autonomous regions, four direct-controlled municipalities (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai,
and Chongqing), and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.
The word "China" has been used in English since the 16th century. However, it was not a word used by
the Chinese themselves during the period. Its origin has been traced through Portuguese, Malay,
and Persian back to the Sanskrit word Cīna, used in ancient India.
Population:
The national census of 2010 recorded the population of the People's Republic of China as approximately
1,370,536,875. About 16.60% of the population were 14 years old or younger, 70.14% were between 15
and 59 years old, and 13.26% were over 60 years old. The population growth rate for 2013 is estimated
to be 0.46%. China used to make up much of the world's poor; now it makes up much of the world's
middle class. Although a middle-income country by Western standards, China's own standards for
poverty are higher and still the country is on its way to eradicate national poverty completely by 2019.
From 2009–2018, the unemployment rate in China has averaged about 4%.
Given concerns about population growth, China implemented a two-child limit during the 1970s, and, in
1979, began to advocate for an even stricter limit of one child per family. Beginning in the mid-1980s,
however, given the unpopularity of the strict limits, China began to allow some major exemptions,
particularly in rural areas, resulting in what was actually a "1.5"-child policy from the mid-1980s to 2015
(ethnic minorities were also exempt from one child limits.

5. Figure 1:Poplation in china
Geographical location:
China has great physical diversity. The eastern plains and southern coasts of the country consist of
fertile lowlands and foothills. They are the location of most of China's agricultural output and human
population. The southern areas of the country (South of the Yangtze River) consist of hilly and
mountainous terrain. The west and north of the country are dominated by sunken basins (such as
the Gobi and the Taklamakan), rolling plateaus, and towering massifs. It contains part of the
highest tableland on earth, the Tibetan Plateau, and has much lower agricultural potential and
population
Traditionally, the Chinese population centered on the Chinese central plain and oriented itself toward its
own enormous inland market, developing as an imperial power whose center lay in the middle and
lower reaches of the Yellow River on the northern plains.[citation needed] More recently, the 18,000 km
(11,000 mi) coastline has been used extensively for export-oriented trade, causing the coastal provinces
to become the leading economic center. China has common border with Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma,
India, North Korea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and
Vietnam.

6. Figure 2:Map of china
Climate features:
China climate is extremely diverse, stipulated by the vastness of its territory, complicated lay of land and
impact of the ocean. China is located in several climate zones. Mainly, it has equatorial, tropical,
subtropical and moderate climates.
A peculiar feature of the China’s climate is its monsoon nature. Winds from north in winter and from
south in summer are prevailing there, a sharp change of seasons are quite typical for the country. A
rainfall season usually comes in the hottest season.
China is the country of contrasts, which are manifested even in a climate pattern of the region. If
rainfalls are not uncommon in the east, then the west featuring a seasonal inland climate, suffers from
frequent drought seasons.

7. Every year the downfall in the country’s east affected by massive air flows, coming from the Pacific and
Indian oceans amounts to about 200-500mm. Such downfalls are common for summer time period. The
precipitation in winter is considerably lower, because this period is characterized by a dry cold climate.
The climate pattern in the west of the country is considerably severe. In summer it features intolerable
heat, while in winter it suffers from hard frosts. The winter absolute temperature there may fall as low
as -50 degrees on Celsius, while in summer the air temperature in the Turpan basin, the hottest part of
China reaches almost +50 degrees on Celsius with a rainfall amounting only 3.9 mm.
Spring: 10-22ºC, Western suits, jackets, sports coats, woolen jackets, long sleeve shirts and travel shoes.
Summer: 22 ºC and above, T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, skirts, sandals, caps, rain wear.Autumn: 10-22 ºC,
Western suits, jackets, sports coats, light woolen sweaters, rain wear and travel shoes.Winter: 10 ºC or
lower, overcoat, cotton clothes, lined coats. In very cold areas a cap, gloves and cotton-padded shoes
are required.
Figure 3:Temporature of China
characteristics of ecosystems of China:
china is among the world’s most ecologically diverse countries, with one of the planet’s highest
concentrations of biodiversity. Its natural capital has sustained ancient civilizations and supported the
rapid development of China under its current political and economic system. But the stresses are
showing—from past draw-downs of this natural capital, from the more recent export-driven economy,
and from meeting the domestic needs of 1.3 billion people. During the recent past there has been a
string of natural disasters, including some that illustrate the fragile state of some ecosystems, including

8. landslide areas in western China, the Bohai Sea with its red tides, the drought impacts in Yunnan and the
floods of 2010. As noted in China’s 2010 report on the Millennium Development Goals, only limited
progress has been made on Goal 7, Environmental Sustainability. Even though there have been
substantial efforts and expenditures, there is evidence of continued ecological decline of many types: in
the soil, in lakes, rivers and wetlands, on-going problems with grassland desertification, and in China’s
marine and coastal areas.
China’s ecosystems are under serious pressure and sometimes growing threats. These are not new
findings. Indeed, there has been a remarkable effort over past decades to address some of the key
problems, which has been partially successful in restoring landscapes and in protecting at least some of
the iconic species such as the Giant Panda. In recent years the unprecedented investment in new
forests, grassland restoration, and in river basin management has demonstrated that ecological
restoration and ecological construction can be successfully undertaken.
Soil ecosystems are rich in microscopic life that are vital to biogeochemical cycling—the transformation
of organic and inorganic materials into usable nutrients, the conditioning of rocks and minerals and
plant material into a sponge that stores carbon and water, and provides the basis for healthy forest and
grassland ecosystems and the habitat for rich biodiversity.
The services provided by a healthy soil ecosystem often are taken for granted, with the presumption
that they will continue to be present no matter what the level of stewardship and management. But in
recent decades the task of maintaining good soil ecosystems has grown very difficult throughout China.
Not only is there greatly increased pressure arising from the need to enhance agricultural productivity
through application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides at high doses, there is also the issue of greatly
increased grazing pressure—sometimes associated with the transformation of nomadic lifestyles to
settled existence. With growing demand for animal protein that accompanies rising income levels, there
are serious impacts on soils including compaction, soil and groundwater pollution from animal wastes
and issues such as desertification.
A very significant portion of China’s natural coastal ecosystems have now been replaced either through
land reclamation, or by structural alterations such concrete barriers near ports, highways, and other
infrastructure
he northern grassland ecosystems of China play important roles in servicing the ecological environment
and socio-economics of the region and in supporting diverse species of plants and animals. Traditionally,
grasslands have been the major sources of animal products such as meat, milk, wool and pelts, and are

9. home to the majority of the ethnic people. A social function in terms of maintaining cultural diversity
and social stability, therefore, has also been a critical component of the grassland ecosystem in China.
An increasing demand for natural resources and animal products to cope with sharply rising human
populations has placed tremendous pressures on grassland ecosystems. The accelerated and large-scale
degradation and desertification of grassland ecosystems in areas with fragile environmental conditions
and poor ecosystem structures have raised concerns within various organizations and institutions as well
as within the scientific community.
3 Most pressing environmental and social problems of china
Environmental issues in China are plentiful, severely affecting the country's biophysical
environment and human health. Rapid industrialization, as well as lax environmental oversight, are main
contributors to these problems.
Most pressing environmental
Water resources:
The water resources of China are affected by both severe water quantity shortages and severe water
quality pollution. An increasing population and rapid economic growth as well as lax environmental
oversight have increased water demand and pollution. China has responded by measures such as rapidly
building out the water infrastructure and increased regulation as well as exploring a number of further
technological solutions. Water usage by its coal-fired power stations is drying-up Northern China.
Deforestation:
Although China's forest cover is only 21.15%.the country has some of the largest expanses of forested
land in the world, making it a top target for forest preservation efforts. In 2001, the United Nations
Environment Program (UNEP) listed China among the top 15 countries with the most "closed forest,"
i.e., virgin, old growth forest or naturally regrown woods. 12% of China's land area, or more than 111
million hectares, is closed forest. However, the UNEP also estimates that 36% of China's closed forests
are facing pressure from high population densities, making preservation efforts especially important. In

10. 2011, Conservation International listed the forests of south-west Sichuan as one of the world's ten most
threatened forest regions.
Coastal reclamation:
China's marine environment, including the Yellow Sea and South China Sea, are considered among the
most degraded marine areas on earth. Loss of natural coastal habitats due to land reclamation has
resulted in the destruction of more than 65% of tidal wetlands around China's Yellow Sea coastline in
approximately 50 years. Rapid coastal development for agriculture, aquaculture and industrial
development are considered the primary drivers of coastal destruction in the region.
Climate change:
The position of the Chinese government on climate change is contentious. China is the world's current
largest emitter of carbon dioxide although not the cumulative largest.
Pollution:
China currently has the world's largest population but population growth is very slow in part due to
the one-child policy. The environmental issues are also negatively affecting the people living in China.
Because of the emissions created from the factories, the number of people diagnosed with cancer in
China has increased. Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer that is plaguing the population. In
2015, there were more than 4.3 million new cancer cases in the country and more than 2.8 million
people died from the disease.

11. Social Problems of China:
Social issues in China are wide-ranging, and are a combined result of Chinese economic reforms set in
place in the late 1970s, the nation's political and cultural history, and an immense population. Due to
the significant number of social problems that have existed throughout the country, China's government
has faced difficulty in trying to remedy the issues.
Since the economic reforms in China began, income inequality has increased significantly. The Gini
Coefficient, an income distribution gauge, has worsened from 0.3 back in 1986 to 0.42 in 2011. Poverty
researchers recognize anything above 0.4 as potentially socially destabilizing.
The growing wealth gap can be seen as a byproduct of China's economic and social development
policies. The adverse effects of having a widening inequity between the rich and the poor include social
and political instability, discrimination in access to areas such as public health, education, pensions and
unequal opportunities for the Chinese people. It is important to note that the inequality in income in
China can also be seen as a rural-urban income gap especially with the widely criticized social
development policy, the Hukou (household registration) System in place. Market income – mainly wages
– has been the driving factor in shaping urban income inequality since the economic reforms in China
while the widening rural-urban income gap is due to low salaries for employees and migrants in many

12. companies coupled with rapidly growing profits for the management of State-owned enterprises, real
estate developers and some private companies.
4 The structure of the economy: most important industries of china
Over the last 35 years, China’s economy has grown to an unprecedented degree. In another decade, it
could become the largest in the entire world. Our overview briefly introduces several related topics:
economic sectors, present challenges and opportunities, as well as the most important locations.
China’s economy can easiest be described in superlatives. With an estimated gross domestic product
(GDP) of 10.355 trillion USD in 2014, it is now the second largest national economy worldwide.
The GDP has increased more than tenfold since the end of the Maoist era, which also marked the start
of economic liberalization. Though the spectacular growth rate of China’s economy has slowed down to
a “mere” 7.3% per year, it remains the fastest-growing economy worldwide. By 2025, China is expected
to outperform the United States. China’s economy is already the world leader regarding the annual
output in the manufacturing sector (as measured by gross value). No wonder that it’s the world’s largest
trading nation and biggest exporter as well.
Agriculture:
china is the world's largest producer and consumer of agricultural products – and some 300 million
Chinese farm workers are in the industry, mostly laboring on pieces of land about the size of U.S farms.
Virtually all arable land is used for food crops. China is the world's largest producer of rice and is among
the principal sources of wheat, corn
(maize), tobacco, soybeans, potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, oilseed, pork, and fish.
Major non-food crops, including cotton, other fibers, and oilseeds, furnish China with a small proportion
of its foreign trade revenue. Agricultural exports, such as vegetables and fruits, fish and shellfish, grain
and meat products, are exported to Hong Kong. Yields are high because of intensive cultivation, for
example, China's cropland area is only 75% of the U.S. total, but China still produces about 30% more
crops and livestock than the United States. Today, agriculture contributes only 13% of China's GDP.

13. Energy and mineral resources:
Since 1980, China's energy production has grown dramatically, as has the proportion allocated to
domestic consumption. Some 80 percent of all power is generated from fossil fuel at thermal plants,
with about 17 percent at hydroelectric installations; only about two percent is from nuclear energy,
mainly from plants located in Guangdong and Zhejiang.[178] Though China has rich overall energy
potential, most have yet to be developed. In addition, the geographical distribution of energy puts most
of these resources relatively far from their major industrial users. Basically the northeast is rich
in coal and oil, the central part of north China has abundant coal, and the southwest has
immense hydroelectric potential. But the industrialized regions around Guangzhou and the Lower
Yangtze region around Shanghai have too little energy, while there is relatively little heavy
industry located near major energy resource areas other than in the southern part of the northeast.
Due in large part to environmental concerns, China has wanted to shift China's current energy mix from
a heavy reliance on coal, which accounts for 70–75% of China's energy, toward greater reliance on
oil, natural gas, renewable energy, and nuclear power. China has closed thousands of coal mines over
the past five to ten years to cut overproduction. According to Chinese statistics, this has reduced coal
production by over.
Mining:
The major areas of production in 2004 were coal (nearly 2 billion tons), iron ore (310 million tons), crude
petroleum (175 million tons), natural gas (41 million cubic meters), antimony ore
(110,000 tons), tin concentrates (110,000 tons), nickel ore (64,000 tons), tungsten concentrates
(67,000 tons), unrefined salt (37 million tons), vanadium (40,000 tons), and molybdenum ore
(29,000 tons). In order of magnitude, produced minerals
were bauxite, gypsum, barite, magnesite, talc and related minerals, manganese ore, fluorspar, and zinc.
In addition, China produced 2,450 tons of silver and 215 tons of gold in 2004. The mining sector
accounted for less than 0.9% of total employment in 2002 but produced about 5.3% of total industrial
production.
Industry and manufacturing:
Industry and construction account for 46.8% of China's GDP.[192] Between the years 2011 and 2013,
China used more cement than the United States consumed during the entire 20th century.[193] In 2009
around 8% of the total manufacturing output in the world came from China itself and China ranked

14. third worldwide in industrial output that year (first was EU and second United States). Research by IHS
Global Insight states that in 2010 China contributed to 19.8% of world's manufacturing output and
became the largest manufacturer in the world that year, after the US had held that position for about
110 years.
Automotive industry:
China's automotive industry has been so successful that it began exporting car parts in 1999. China
began to plan major moves into the automobile and components export business starting in 2005. A
new Honda factory in Guangzhou was built in 2004 solely for the export market and was expected to
ship 30,000 passenger vehicles to Europe in 2005. By 2004, 12 major foreign automotive manufacturers
had joint-venture plants in China. They produced a wide range of automobiles, minivans, sport utility
vehicles, buses, and trucks. In 2003 China exported US$4.7 billion worth of vehicles and components.
The vehicle export was 78,000 units in 2004, 173,000 units in 2005, and 340,000 units in 2006. The
vehicle and component export is targeted to reach US$70 billion by 2010.
Tourism:
China's tourism industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the national economy and is also one
of the industries with a very distinct global competitive edge. According to the World Travel and Tourism
Council, travel and tourism directly contributed CNY 1,362 billion (US$216 billion) to the Chinese
economy (about 2.6% of GDP).[224] In 2011, total international tourist arrivals was 58 million, and
international tourism receipts were US$48 billion.
Domestic tourism market makes up more than 90% of the country's tourism traffic, and contributes
more than 70% of total tourism revenue. In 2002, domestic tourists reached 878 million and tourism
revenue was $46.9 billion. A large middle class with strong consumption power is emerging in China,
especially in major cities. China's outbound tourists reached 20.22 million in 2003, overtaking Japan for
the first time.

15. Figure 4:GDP OF CHINA AND USA
5 Sources of GHG emissions, contribution to climate change of china
Greenhouse gas emissions are broken down by sectoral sources in the sections which follow (showing
carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide individually, as well as collectively as total greenhouse gas
terms) in China.
Energy
(energy, manufacturing and construction industries and fugitive emissions): emissions are inclusive of
public heat and electricity production; other energy industries; fugitive emissions from solid fuels, oil
and gas, manufacturing industries and construction.
Transport:
Domestic aviation, road transportation, rail transportation, domestic navigation, other transportation.
International bunkers:
International aviation; international navigation/shipping.
Residential, commercial, institutional and AFF:
Residential and other sectors.

16. Industry (industrial processes and product use):
production of minerals, chemicals, metals, pulp/paper/food/drink, halocarbons, refrigeration and air
conditioning; aerosols and solvents; semiconductor/electronics manufacture; electrical equipment.
Waste:
solid waste disposal; wastewater handling; waste incineration; other waste handling.
Agriculture:
methane and nitrous oxide emissions from enteric fermentation; manure management; rice cultivation;
synthetic fertilizers; manure applied to soils; manure left on pasture; crop residues; burning crop
residues, savanna and cultivation of organic soils.
Land use:
emissions from the net conversion of forest; cropland; grassland and burning biomass for agriculture or
other uses.
Other sources:
fossil fuel fires; indirect nitrous oxide from non-agricultural NOx and ammonia; other anthropogenic
sources.

17. 6 How will climate change effect in China the short, medium and long term?
China has and will suffer some of the effects of global warming, including sea level rise, glacier
retreat and air pollution.
The implications of climate change impose serious setbacks on global health and will hinder the
economic development of various regions worldwide impacting countries on more than just the basic
environmental scale. As in the case of China, we will see the effects on a social and economic level.
China's first National Assessment of Global Climate Change, released in the 2000s by the Ministry of
Science and Technology (MOST), states that China already suffers from the environmental impacts of
climate change: increase of surface and ocean temperature, rise of sea level. Qin Dahe, former head of
China's Meteorological Administration, has said that temperatures in the Tibetan Plateau of China are
rising four times faster than anywhere else. Rising sea level is an alarming trend because China has a
very long and densely populated coastline, with some of the most economically developed cities such as
Shanghai, Tianjin, and Guangzhou situated there. Chinese research has estimated that a one-meter rise
in sea level would inundate 92,000 square kilometers of China's coast, thereby displacing 67 million
people.
There has also been an increased occurrence of climate-related disasters such as drought and flood, and
the amplitude is growing. These events have grave consequences for productivity when they occur, and
also create serious repercussions for natural environment and infrastructure. This threatens the lives of
billions and aggravates poverty.
Furthermore, climate change will worsen the uneven distribution of water resources in China.
Outstanding rises in temperature would exacerbate evapo-transpiration, intensifying the risk of water
shortage for agricultural production in the North. Although China's southern region has an abundance of
rainfall, most of its water is lost due to flooding. As the Chinese government faces challenges managing
its expanding population, an increased demand for water to support the nation's economic activity and
people will burden the government. In essence, a water shortage is indeed a large concern for the
country.
Lastly, climate change could endanger human health by increasing outbreaks of disease and their
transmission. After floods, for example, infectious diseases such as diarrhea and cholera are all far more
prevalent. These effects would exacerbate the degradation of the ecologically fragile areas in which
poor communities are concentrated pushing thousands back into poverty.

18. Agriculture
The negative effects on China's agriculture caused by climate change have appeared. There was an
increase in agricultural production instability, severe damages caused by high temperature and drought,
and lower production and quality in prairie. In the near future, climate change may cause negative
influences, causing a reduction of output in wheat, rice and corn, and change agricultural distribution of
production. China is also dealing with agricultural issues due global demands of products such as soy
beans. This global demand is causing coupled effects that stretch across oceans which in turn is affecting
other countries.
Forest and other natural ecosystems
Climate change increases forest belt limits and frequencies of pests and diseases, decreases frozen earth
areas, and threatens to decrease glacial areas in the northwest China. The vulnerability of ecosystems
may increase due to future climate change.
Water resource and coastal zone
Climate change decreased total water resources in north China while increasing total water resources in
south China. There were more floods, drought and extreme weather events. There may be a big impact
in the spatial and temporal distribution in China's water resources, increasing extreme weather events
and natural disasters. Climate change caused an increase in sea level, threatening to impair the
functions of harbors.
According to IPCC (2007), from 1900 to 2005, precipitation has declined in parts of southern Asia. By the
2050s, freshwater availability, including large river basins, is projected to decrease in Asian regions.
Coastal areas, especially the delta areas in Asia, are projected to have increased flooding risk. Floods and
droughts are expected to increase health concerns: diseases and mortality.
7 Country coalition of china?
Scientists warned that immediate action must be taken by the international community if we are to stop
the globe from warming more than 2oC above pre-industrial levels and avoid catastrophic ecological
consequences. Paris Climate Summit, officially referred to as the 21st Conference of Parties (COP 21)
under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was an important part
of the international efforts to tackle climate change. Over the past few decades, the international

19. community has been working together to better understand the extent of climate change and what
actions are required to mitigate it.
The Kyoto Protocol in 1997, which required developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emission,
was an historic international agreement on climate change. Nevertheless, it did not bear much fruit
without the participation of the United States.
As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases and the world’s second largest economy, China has
become an important force that heavily influences the failure or success of cooperation on climate
change. In the following, I would like to discuss the role of China in the making of the Paris Agreement,
the reasons for China’s active role in forging international cooperation on climate change, and the
challenges it faces in taking action against climate change.
Since the start of international cooperation on climate change, China has undergone tremendous
changes in many respects. Economic reform has increased China’s trade with the outside world. Its
accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) made China the “World’s Factory” and helped it
accumulate unprecedented wealth. In tandem with its economic achievements, the volume of carbon
emission increased exponentially for China, and it has surpassed the United States as the world’s largest
carbon emitter since 2005.

20. 8 .What was the position of china in recent climate agreements?
Since the start of international cooperation on climate change, China has undergone tremendous
changes in many respects. Economic reform has increased China’s trade with the outside world. Its
accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) made China the “World’s Factory” and helped it
accumulate unprecedented wealth. In tandem with its economic achievements, the volume of carbon
emission increased exponentially for China, and it has surpassed the United States as the world’s largest
carbon.
Despite China’s activity and its cooperation with the United States ahead of the conference, divisions
remained between developed countries led by the United States and developing countries represented
by China and India. Xie Zhenhua , China’s chief negotiator at the Paris Climate Summit, had emphasized
that China’s position was to secure an agreement that would provide a mechanism to tackle climate
change after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2020,to confirm the international commitment to the

21. transition to low-carbon development, and to resolve the issue of funding and technology transfers,
which concerned developing countries the most. (17) More importantly, China wanted to uphold the
principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibility” (CBDR) that underlies the principle of fairness
and national contribution according to respective capabilities. During the Paris Climate Summit, China
and India maintained that developed countries should make deeper cuts in carbon emissions before
China and India made further promises on carbon emission reduction, worrying that any other
arrangement would impair their right to economic growth relative to developed countries. In addition,
China also demanded that developed countries honor their pledges to climate finance, and insisted that
the agreement should uphold the principle of CBDR as extensively as possible.
Given the public-good nature of climate change, China’s active participation in the global climate change
issue warrants deeper analysis. Apart from the international pressure for China to be a “responsible
power” China’s interests in climate change mitigation concurrently lie in its own needs to solve the
domestic environmental problems caused by the three decades of rapid and high-growth-led economic
development as well as the quest for sustainable economic growth with secure energy resources.
9 Mitigation of climate change in China
Observers have argued that China has introduced vigorous policies that have already effectively reduced
its carbon emissions, with some commentators extending this to the expectation that China will be the

22. new leader in global climate mitigation (Biesecker and Watt, 2017; Zhao, 2017). In terms of CO2 output,
China has already shown impressive results, even though the data on which this assessment is based
suffers from a certain lack of accuracy and accountability (Korsbakken et al., 2016). China’s economy
was heavily dependent on fossil fuels for decades, especially domestic coal, and saw a rapid growth of
energy use and related CO2 emissions until 2010 . However, starting in 2008, the Chinese government
adopted a proactive stance towards climate policy. Following the introduction of the 12th Five-Year-Plan
(2011–2015), a policy shift towards a new low-carbon development model was introduced (Li and
Wang, 2012). China’s rapid success in limiting its own domestic CO2 emissions has surprised many
observers in the past few years, stemming from an increase in renewable energy and a decrease in the
production and consumption of coal . The rise in renewable energies implies a rapid increase in installed
domestic capacity, which began under the clean development mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol,
after which China became the largest CDM recipient (Wang, 2010). As a consequence of continued
massive Chinese investment in renewables, China emerged as one of the leading producers of wind and
solar power technologies, and in certain segments of solar, wind, and hydro energy, it has also become
an innovator and provider of South–South and South–North technology transfer (Urban, 2018).
Implement national strategy that actively addresses climate change. Strengthen the building of legal
system addressing climate change, include the targets and actions on climate change in the planning on
national economy and social development, and develop long-term low carbon development strategy
and roadmap.
Improve regional strategy on climate change. Implement region-specific policies on climate change, and
determine differentiated climate change mitigation and adaptation targets, tasks and realization paths
for different main functional areas.
Build low carbon energy system. Control total coal consumption, improve the ratio of centralized,
efficient coal power generation, expand natural gas utilization scale, actively promote hydroelectricity
development while ensuring protection of ecological environment and resettlement of affected
residents, develop nuclear power safely and efficiently, vigorously develop wind power, accelerate the
development of solar power generation, and actively develop geothermal energy, bioenergy and ocean
energy. Strengthen the recycling of vent natural gas and oilfield associated gas. Vigorously develop
distributed energy resources and strengthen the construction of intelligent grid.
Form energy-saving, low carbon industry systems. Stick to the path of new industrialization, vigorously
develop circular economy and optimize industrial structure. Control emissions in building and

23. transportation sectors. Stick to the path of new urbanization, optimize urban system and urban space
layout, and include the idea of low carbon development in the urban planning and building.
Increasing Carbon Sinks. Vigorously carry out afforestation, promote national voluntary tree-planting in
depth, continue to implement natural forest protection, grain for green and comprehensive treatment
of stony desertification, focus on strengthening forest tending operation, and increase forest carbon-
sink.
10 Adaptation to climate change in China
In China's first NDC submission, key areas were identified for climate change adaptation, including
agriculture, water resources, and vulnerable areas. It also mentioned that an adaptation strategy should
be implemented through regional strategies. Flooding in cities is being tackled by collecting and
recycling rainwater. In 2013, China issued its National Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation and set
goals of reducing vulnerability, strengthening monitoring, and raising public awareness. Efforts on
implementation have been put in adapting forestry, meteorological management, infrastructure, and
risk planning.
The development of technology and economy in China share more responsibility in tackling climate
change. After facing the 2011 smog issue, China's government launched an extensive strategy, which is
to improve air quality by reducing the growth of coal consumption. Nevertheless, the trade war that
involved China as one of the leading participants has resulted in the loss control of polluting industries,
especially in the steel and cement during 2018. Fortunately, nearly 70 multinational and local brands
implemented the monitoring data by The Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE) in China,
stimulating nearly 8,000 suppliers approaching regulatory violations
Internally in the provinces of China, there are various projects held aiming to solve emissions reduction
and energy-saving, which is a big step in tackling climate change. Beijing is developing in replacing
traditional bulbs with energy-saving light bulbs. Provinces such as Rizhao and Dzho are promoting solar
energy in the building heating system. Besides, Tsinghua University launched a lead on low-carbon city
development. The city is currently working with Tsinghua University to improve the urban environment
by introducing renewable energy into industries and households.

24. The whole nation is divided into three categories of adaptation zone: urbanization, agricultural
development and ecological safety. Adaptation tasks with different focus have been set for these
adaptation areas by comprehensively considering the different influences that climate change exert on
the production and life of people living in different areas. In urbanization zones, at the same time as
promoting urbanization, urban infrastructure adaptation capacities have been strengthened to improve
the human settlement environment and guarantee the safety of people’s production and living
environment. In agricultural development zones, the focus has been on guaranteeing the safe supply of
agricultural products and 97 people’s livelihoods. In ecological safety zones, the focus has been on
securing national ecological safety and promoting harmony between human and nature.
The carbon intensity has been reduced dramatically. Based on the preliminary calculation, from 2010 to
2015, the energy-related CO2 emission per unit of GDP was cumulatively reduced by around 22%,
exceeding the indicator of the 12th FYP, which laid a solid foundation to achieve the goal of a 40%-45%
decline from 2005 to 2020. Industrial structure has been gradually optimized. In 2010, the value added
of service industry accounted for 44.1% of the GDP, 2.8 pp. higher than that of 2005. In 2015, the value
added of service industry accounted for 50.2% of the GDP, 6.1 pps higher than that of 2010, exceeding
the target of the 12th FYP. The energy intensity has been reduced significantly. From 2005 to 2010, the
energy consumption per unit of GDP (energy intensity) fell by 19.3%, completing the task of the 11th
FYP. From 2010 to 2015, the energy consumption per unit of GDP fell by 18.4%, exceeding the target of
the 12th Five-Year Plan. The energy structure has been continuously improved. In 2010, the share of
non-fossil energy in primary energy consumption was 9.4%, up 2 pps against 2005 level. In 2015, the
share of non-fossil energy in primary energy consumption was 12.1%, 2.7 pps higher than that of 2010,
and exceeding the target of the 12th.
11 Financing climate change action and the Sustainable Development Mechanism
The China Clean Development Mechanism Fund (CCDMF) is a national climate fund that supports low
carbon growth and climate resilience in China. It is a revolving fund that receives regular capital
injections from levies collected by the government on clean development mechanism projects in China.
More than USD 81 million in grants committed to support over 200 projects;

25. • Direct reduction of over seven million tons of CO2 equivalent through funding enterprises, mobilizing
market capital and achieving verified emission reduction effects;
• Government representatives from Brazil, Vietnam, and Cambodia have already visited CCDMF to learn
more about this type of climate financing.
Joint Statement on Dialogue and Cooperation on Climate Change
We reaffirmed the principle of common and differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities,
and the aim for the full, effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol.
We recognized and appreciated each other’s efforts to address climate change and its impacts. We
reiterated our support to the Copenhagen Accord as an important political document and we will
promote the reflection of the Accord’s political agreements in the UN negotiating process. We agreed to
step up our joint efforts and work closely in the two Ad Hoc Working Groups under the UNFCCC and the
Kyoto Protocol, in accordance with the Bali Roadmap, to reach a positive outcome and meaningful
progress, at the next climate change conference, which will take place in Cancun at the end of 2010.
Building on the EU and China Partnership and the Joint Declaration on Climate Change signed at the
2005 EU-China Summit, and following the agreement at the 2009 EU-China Summit to enhance
coordination and cooperation on climate change, we agreed to further strengthen policy dialogue and
result-oriented China-EU cooperation..
The EU and China agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation for example on
1. long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies
2. emissions trading – e.g. under the Memorandum of Understanding
3. energy efficiency
4. clean energy
5. low-emission transport
6. low-carbon cities
7. climate-related technology
8. investment in climate and clean energy projects, and
9. cooperation with other developing countries.
Supporting the design and implementation of greenhouse gas emissions trading in China, in view of
China's plans to establish a nationwide emissions trading system, for example through policy dialogue
and cooperation projects. For more information, see the page on international carbon markets.

26. Cooperation and technical dialogues between EU and Chinese experts on scenario modelling, in view of
the long-term low greenhouse gas emission transition and other climate policy frameworks.
It is found that the investment required in the energy supply sector to realize the 2 °C scenario could
reach CN¥1.2 trillion by 2020, CN¥1.0 trillion by 2030, and CN¥1.4 trillion by 2050. The investment
needed for energy saving could reach CN¥1.6 trillion by 2020, CN¥1.8 trillion by 2030, and CN¥1.5
trillion by 2050, which represents the additional investment as compared with the use of old
technologies. If the investment required both in the energy supply sector and in energy saving in end-
use sectors is considered, the total investment is estimated to be CN¥2.8 trillion by 2020, CN¥2.8 trillion
by 2030, and CN¥2.9 trillion by 2050. These investments account for 2.5% of China's total GDP in 2020,
1.3% in 2030, and 0.6% by 2050, which represents quite a small investment percentage to realize the
goal of low-carbon development.
12 Including emission targets for 2030 and 2050
In the CAT current policy projections, China will reach a GHG emissions level (excl. LULUCF) of
between 13.4-13.7 GtCO2e/yr in 2020 and 13.7–14.7 GtCO2e/yr in 2030. This is an increase in total GHG
emissions of 5%–7% above 2015 levels by 2020 and 7%–15% by 2030.A total of 9.3–9.6 GtCO2e/yr in
2020 and 9.5–10.5 GtCO2e/yr in 2030 are energy-related CO2 emissions.
This means that according to our assessment, China will meet its 2020 pledge and its NDC targets, but
still be above current emissions levels. China’s chief climate negotiator, Xie Zhenhua, has expressed the
opinion that China could meet its 2030 peaking targets early, reflecting the conclusions of other studies
(Green and Stern, 2017; Xu, Stanway and Daly, 2018; Gallagher et al., 2019b; Wang et al., 2019). CAT
analysis confirms that, based on current GDP projections, China is indeed likely to meet the carbon
intensity target of its 2030 pledge early.
Further, committing to achieve a net-zero emissions target by 2050 would spur investment and
innovation as well as delivering large improvements in local air quality and helping China to establish
technological leadership across a range of industries.
Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and Financial Contribution
China has put forward its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) on June 30, 2015. It promised to
achieve a peaking of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, striving to peak as soon as possible. By 2030, the
CO2 emissions per unit of GDP should fall by 60% to 65% compared to 2005 levels. By 2030, non-fossil

27. energy should account for about 20% of primary energy consumption, and the amount of forest
reserves should be increased by about 4.5 billion cubic meters by 2030 compared to 2005. In addition, it
promised to continue to actively tackle climate change, form mechanisms and capabilities for effectively
resisting climate change risks in key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, energy and water resources, as
well as in fragile regions such as cities, coastal areas, and ecosystems; and gradually improve forecasting
and disaster prevention systems. To achieve the goals within its NDC, China has further proposed to
adopt policies and measures for strengthening implementation in 15 areas, including national strategies,
regional strategies, energy system, industrial system, construction & transportation, forest carbon sinks,
lifestyle, adaptability, development model, scientific and technological support, financial support,
market mechanisms, statistical accounting, social participation, and international cooperation. These
policies and measures have either direct or indirect impact on the implementation of China’s ND.
Financial Needs in Implementing China’s NDC As estimated, in order to achieve the four mitigation
targets and adaptation activities incorporated in China’s NDC document submitted to the UNFCCC,
between 2016 and 2030, China’s total financial needs will reach 55.95 trillion yuan, an average of 3.73
trillion yuan per year, of which financial needs for mitigation and adaptation will reach an average of
2.12 trillion yuan and 1.61 trillion yuan respectively (Figure 6). With the enhancement in mitigation
efforts and the increase in climate change risks, the average annual financial needs will increase
accordingly, and will increase from the annual average of 2.93 trillion in the “Thirteenth Five-Year Plan”
to 3.76 trillion yuan in the “Fourteenth five-year plan”, and to 4.45 trillion yuan for the "Fifteenth five-
year plan". Compared with the existing scale of financial investments, China will face a financial gap of
1.36 trillion yuan each year. For achieving the long-term mitigation target as illustrated in the above
“low carbon” scenario, the cumulative financial needs will further increase to 139.24 trillion yuan
between 2016 and 2050. It is necessary and urgent to increase and stimulate the investment in climate
change, not only to expand the scale of climate investments, but also to further adjust the investment
mode and structure of climate finance, with additional attention on areas such as non-hydropower
renewable energy, energy savings in the buildings and transportation sectors, smart grids and energy
storage, sustainable infrastructure, and disaster prevention and mitigation.

28. 13 References
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China
• https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/china
• https://www.travelchinaguide.com/climate/
• https://time.com/5669061/china-climate-change/
• https://www.ipcc.ch/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intergovernmental_Panel_on_Climate_Change