China’s carbon dioxide emissions have remained largely unchanged for 18 months, extending a trend that started in March 2024. According to the latest analysis from Carbon Brief, China’s CO2 emissions were flat in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
The country’s emissions trend is partly a result of the slower pace of growth in construction and manufacturing combined with a surge in renewable energy and electric vehicles to absorb additional electricity demand.
China completed 240 gigawatts of solar and 61GW of wind capacity in the first nine months of 2025, putting it on track for a new renewable energy record in 2025. Electricity generation from solar grew by 46% and wind by 11% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025.
This growth in renewable energy has been a key driver of China’s emissions trend, with solar and wind power helping to reduce the country’s reliance on coal and other fossil fuels. The increase in electric vehicle adoption has also played a significant role, with sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) growing rapidly in China.
However, emissions from the chemicals sector, particularly petrochemical and plastics production, rose 10% in the September quarter, offsetting gains in other areas. This highlights the challenges China still faces in reducing emissions from its industrial sector.
The trend has put China in the spotlight at the UN COP30 climate summit in Brazil, with experts highlighting the country’s significant role in global climate efforts. China’s efforts to reduce emissions are seen as crucial to meeting global warming targets, with the world needing to cut greenhouse gas emissions by almost half by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5C.
China has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and reduce them by 7-10% by 2035 from peak levels. The country’s progress in renewable energy and electric vehicle adoption is expected to play a key role in achieving these targets.
As the world looks to China to take a lead on climate action, the country’s emissions trend is being closely watched. While there are still challenges to be addressed, the progress made so far is a positive sign that China is on track to meet its climate goals.
Africa Stands to Benefit from China’s Climate Progress
Africa can benefit from China’s progress in reducing emissions and transitioning to renewable energy. China’s experience in renewable energy can attract investments in Africa’s clean energy sector and promote climate cooperation between Africa and China.
“China’s progress in renewable energy and electric vehicle adoption is a game-changer for Africa,” said Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency. “Africa can leverage China’s expertise to accelerate its own transition to clean energy and achieve sustainable development.”
Africa’s abundant solar, wind, and hydro resources make it an ideal location for clean energy investment. China’s climate progress can mobilize support for Africa’s climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, promoting global climate solidarity.
Key Takeaways for Africa:
– Renewable energy potential: Africa can harness its abundant solar, wind, and hydro resources to drive economic growth.
– Climate resilience: Africa must prioritize climate adaptation and resilience, leveraging China’s experience in climate-smart agriculture.
– Global climate solidarity: Africa’s climate efforts are crucial to achieving global climate goals, emphasizing the need for international cooperation.
As the world looks to COP30 to deliver ambitious climate action, China’s progress is a beacon of hope for global climate efforts. Africa stands to benefit significantly from China’s climate leadership, and the continent must seize this opportunity to accelerate its own transition to a low-carbon economy.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.com
