China is the world's largest emitter, so what happens there has consequences for the entire globe.
The dependence on fossil fuels such as coal is still significant, but in recent years, they have invested heavily in greener energy. China is building twice as much solar and wind power as all other countries combined.
Now the results are starting to become clear. During the first quarter of the year, emissions decreased despite an increase in energy consumption, according to an analysis from the research institute Crea based on official figures from China. Similar decreases have always been due to economic downturns and thus lower demand for energy.
This current case is the first time it's happening primarily based on cleaner energy sources, says Lauri Myllyvirta at Crea.
And the trend appears to have stabilized. For the entire last year, the emission curve is either stable or falling.
That China is transforming has been described by climate researchers as crucial for humanity to be able to handle climate change. Now much depends on how the continuation looks. The green investment is at least expected to continue. By 2030, China is expected to account for 60 percent of all new-built energy in the world.
