China: Progress without Partnership

Some of the biggest polluters on earth evade agreeing to a global policy on climate change. Without a binding agreement from China, one of the most pivotal players, the world may never see meaningful action against climate change on a global scale. A new article, “The Apparent ‘Paradox’ in China’s Climate Policies,” by Lynette Ong of the University of Toronto, claims that although China may become a global leader in the emerging sector of renewable energy, there will be no global climate agreement of which China is a signatory anytime in the near future.

China, like the United States, hesitates to agree to international commitments on the issue of climate change. The two countries take very different stances on international climate change and renewable energy policies domestically. In China’s Five-Year-Plan, renewable energy, energy conservation, environmental protection, and clean-energy vehicles are among “seven ‘strategic emerging industries’ signaled out for development.” For example, in 2009 China invested $34.6 billion in the renewable energy sector compared to the United State’s $18.6 billion investment in that sector. In addition to investment, China set ambitious goals to make renewable energy industries 15 percent of its GDP by 2020, which would make the country more energy independent and set the stage for continued growth.

One of the main reasons China avoids a binding agreement on emissions is due to concerns about such an agreement slowing economic growth. Although China’s growth transformed its economy into the world’s second largest and the greatest emitter of greenhouse gas, 36 percent of China’s population still lives in poverty, according to the World Bank. China contends that emissions per capita are more important than total emissions, where it ranks ninth in the world.

Ong argues that despite China’s ascent to world power, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) “relies on incessant growth to maintain its grip on power.” This reliance on growth is the primary reason China remains obstinate against world pacts. In addition, China set up a convoluted and competing bureaucratic system to deal with climate change as both an economic and scientific imperative. This often comes across to outsiders as uncoordinated, but the system is set up so that ‘international commitments’ will not impede economic development and undermine CCP power.

Although some may see it as negative that China will not agree to a global climate change policy, the country’s vast investment in renewables may help make renewables cheaper, thereby driving down emissions without a binding contract. Ultimately, Ong believes that “it is counterproductive to pressure China for more vigorous action on climate change.” Ong thinks it is best if the United States cooperates with China on renewable technologies. With the clean energy sector valued at $6.14 billion by 2015, economic benefits from new technologies may be the driving force to deal with climate change, instead of global agreements. Thus far, China is leading the way, and in terms of lowering global emissions, that may not be a bad thing.

Feature Photo: cc/(Mancio7B9)