The rumours were true: China’s greenhouse gas emissions are falling

New study reveals China’s surprising shift after years of criticism from world leaders: 'That is great news'

Despite increasing power demands, carbon dioxide pollution has steadily decreased in China for the first time. The reason behind the shift is clean energy generation from solar, wind, and nuclear sources as alternatives to coal. As Carbon Brief reported, China's CO2 pollution dropped by 1.6% in the first quarter of 2025 and by 1% over the past year. Analysts reviewed commercial data and official figures to study China's energy sourcing and emiss…

The rumours were true: China’s greenhouse gas emissions are falling

Suspicions were first reported last year that the world’s biggest greenhouse gas polluter was managing to cut its emissions five years earlier than planned.

China Cuts Coal Use Below 1%

Beijing has reduced its coal consumption to less than 1% of its total energy use, marking a significant turning point in China’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

Direct: The Chinese capital, Beijing, reduced the share of coal use in...

For the first time, China’s increased renewable energy production has led to a reduction in carbon emissions, even as demand for renewable energy is growing rapidly. The feat represents a major milestone in China’s energy transition, according to an analysis by Lauri Myllivirta, chief analyst and co-founder of the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), published by Carbon Brief. “The growth in clean energy generation has outpaced bo…