Foreign news

China’s path to carbon neutrality by 2060

Published

6 years ago

November 13, 2020

When China announced it would work towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, many saw it as nothing short of earth-shattering in the global fight against climate change.

Why?

China is the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide – a potent greenhouse gas – accounting for 28 percent of the world’s total output every year. In 2019, China’s emissions surpassed those of the U.S., Europe and Japan combined. Despite China’s per capita emissions being less than half of the U.S.’, a significant part of the global fight against climate change still hinges on China’s actions.

Then, can China achieve its ambitious goal?

This surely won’t be an easy task.

There is no denying that China has made significant strides in recent years in its low-carbon transition, by deploying renewable energy on a massive scale, among other measures.

As of 2019, China’s installed solar and wind power capacities accounted for a third of the world’s respective totals. It is currently constructing more power plants than any other country in the world. The country is also the world’s largest manufacturer and seller of electric cars and buses.

But the picture is not all rosy. Fossil fuels, which produce large amounts of carbon dioxide still make up 85 percent of China’s energy consumption. Coal, a major fossil fuel, alone accounts for 60 percent of China’s energy consumption while the global average is around 30 percent.

This means that for China to meet its momentous 2060 goal, it will have to significantly double down on its ongoing de-carbonization efforts.

But how?

The emissions of China’s carbon dioxide can be traced to five main sectors: energy, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture and construction.

Its energy and manufacturing sectors are leading sources of its carbon emissions. The country will have to dramatically increase its use of renewable energy over the next decades, transforming its current energy structure.

This should not only be applied to the energy sector that generates electricity, but also to others, such as the transportation sector where electric vehicles should replace those powered by traditional energy.

At the same time, technology will have to play an essential part in the process with roles ranging from improving energy efficiency, reducing or even removing greenhouse gases emissions in various sectors, to changing where carbon dioxide is emitted.

For example, carbon capture and storage techniques are receiving increased attention in the energy and manufacturing sectors. Their deployment means wasted carbon dioxide can be captured and later released where it does not enter the atmosphere.

All these transformations will require the government to implement policies that can incentivize individuals and businesses to reduce their own carbon footprint. Meanwhile, capital also needs to be injected to make changes possible. According to an estimate by Boston Consulting Group, China would need 90 to 100 trillion yuan in investment between now and 2050 to support its carbon neutrality agenda.

China’s path to realizing its 2060 carbon neutrality goal will not be an easy ride. However, this long-term goal is an indication of China’s great commitment to a green transition. Although the goal is 40 years down the road, the efforts need to begin today.

Scriptwriter: Xu Sicong

Managing editor: Xu Sicong

Senior producer: Wei Wei

Managing director: Mei Yan

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)

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Foreign news

Court of Arbitration Declares Indus Waters Treaty Fully Operational Rejects India’s ‘Abeyance’

Published

1 month ago

August 31, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Court of Arbitration has unanimously reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) remains fully in force, ruling that India cannot unilaterally place the 1960 agreement in “abeyance” or suspend its obligations under the treaty.

The decision represents a significant legal development in the longstanding dispute between India and Pakistan over the management and use of the Indus river system.

The Court’s finding addresses a fundamental issue at the heart of the dispute: whether either party can unilaterally suspend the treaty outside the legal framework agreed by both countries.

In its unanimous determination, the Court made clear that the IWT continues to bind both India and Pakistan and that its obligations cannot be set aside through a unilateral political declaration.

The ruling means India remains subject to the treaty provisions governing the use of the Western Rivers, including requirements relating to the design and operation of hydroelectric projects, as well as the dispute-resolution mechanisms established under the agreement.

The Court has also ordered interim measures concerning the Ratle Hydroelectric Plant, restricting specified construction activities while the broader dispute remains under consideration.

The measures are aimed at preserving the effectiveness of the arbitration process and preventing developments that could prejudice the outcome of the proceedings.

For Pakistan, the decision represents significant legal validation of its longstanding position that the IWT is a binding international agreement and contains no provision allowing either party to unilaterally place it in abeyance.

Pakistan has consistently maintained that disagreements over the treaty should be addressed through the institutional mechanisms established by the agreement, rather than through unilateral action.

The IWT provides a structured framework for resolving disputes through mechanisms including the Permanent Indus Commission, Neutral Expert and Court of Arbitration processes.

The latest ruling therefore reinforces the principle that treaty obligations cannot simply be disregarded because of deteriorating political relations between signatories.

The significance of the decision extends beyond the India-Pakistan dispute. It underscores the broader international-law principle that agreements governing shared rivers and other transboundary resources must be respected and disputes resolved through established legal and institutional channels.

The Indus river system supports agriculture, livelihoods, food security and communities across the region, making the stability of the treaty particularly important.

The ruling also highlights the distinction between seeking to amend an international agreement through mutually agreed procedures and attempting to alter its obligations unilaterally.

The IWT has endured wars, prolonged diplomatic tensions and periods of limited bilateral engagement. Its continued operation demonstrates the importance of rules-based mechanisms in managing shared resources when relations between neighbouring states become strained.

For Pakistan, the outcome provides an opportunity to frame the decision not merely as a bilateral legal victory, but as an affirmation of international law, treaty compliance and peaceful dispute resolution.

The central message from the ruling is clear: the Indus Waters Treaty remains in force, its obligations continue to bind both parties, and disputes concerning shared waters must be addressed through the legal mechanisms agreed by India and Pakistan.

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