China approves coal power surge despite emissions pledge: Greenpeace
China’s surge in coal power approvals has raised concerns that it will backtrack on its emissions reduction goals, with local governments in energy-hungry provinces approving at least 20.45 GW of coal-fired power in Q1 2023, more than double the same period last year.
Greenpeace warns that investing in fossil fuel plants to prepare for the spike in air conditioning will create a vicious cycle and accelerate climate change.
The country is also the world’s largest producer of renewable energy, but the need for short-term economic growth is diverting investment away from renewable energy projects.
