Unit 3 AOS 1 Climate Change Flashcards
1
Q
What is the primary cause of the enhanced greenhouse gas effect?
A
Burning fossil fuels
2
Q
What are the three main types of fossil fuels?
A
- Coal
- Oil
- Natural gas
3
Q
What gas is primarily released by burning fossil fuels?
A
CO2
4
Q
What percentage of all energy comes from burning fossil fuels?
A
85%
5
Q
What is deforestation’s impact on the global carbon cycle?
A
Depletion of carbon sinks and emissions from the deforestation process
Deforestation contributes significantly to climate change by releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
6
Q
List three reasons forests are cut down.
A
- Resources (timber, paper, furniture, homes)
- Palm oil production
- Create space for farmland, grazing pastures, residential estates, or mining
These activities contribute to significant ecological and environmental changes.
7
Q
How many acres of forest are estimated to be lost each year according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)?
A
18 million acres
This loss represents a significant reduction in carbon sinks.
8
Q
What percentage of greenhouse gas emissions comes from deforestation according to WWF?
A
15%
Deforestation is the second largest anthropogenic source of carbon dioxide.
9
Q
What is the range of deforestation’s contribution to carbon dioxide emissions?
A
6% to 17%
This range highlights the variability in estimates and the importance of accurate monitoring.
10
Q
How much carbon is reported to be released into the atmosphere per year due to deforestation?
A
Nearly 1 billion tons
This statistic underscores the magnitude of deforestation’s impact on climate change.
11
Q
What is a common method of deforestation?
A
Burning trees
This method not only clears land but also releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide.
12
Q
What greenhouse gas is primarily produced by cows during digestion?
A
Methane
Methane is a significant contributor to the greenhouse gas effect.
13
Q
How does increased use of fertilizers affect greenhouse gas emissions?
A
Increases nitrous oxide emissions
Nitrous oxide is another potent greenhouse gas.
14
Q
What percentage of deforestation is attributed to subsistence farming?
A
48%
Subsistence farming is a farming system where farmers grow food primarily for their consumption.
15
Q
What percentage of deforestation is attributed to commercial agriculture?
A
32%
Commercial agriculture focuses on producing crops for sale and profit.
16
Q
What percentage of all energy-related GHG emissions is transportation responsible for according to UNEP?
A
25%
This statistic highlights the significant impact of transportation on global greenhouse gas emissions.
17
Q
As of 2024, what percentage of GHG emissions is transportation responsible for in the United States according to the EPA?
A
29%
This makes transportation the largest contributing sector to GHG emissions in the US.
18
Q
By how much did CO2 emissions from the transport sector grow in 2022 according to the International Energy Agency?
A
250 Mt CO2
This growth contributed to a total of 8 Gt CO2 from the transport sector.
19
Q
What was the percentage increase in CO2 emissions from the transport sector from 2021 to 2022?
A
3%
This indicates a slight upward trend in emissions despite the pandemic’s impact.
20
Q
Which mode of transportation was identified as the greatest contributor to CO2 emissions in 2022?
A
Aviation
However, aviation emissions were still only at 70% of pre-pandemic rates.
21
Q
What is the basis of capitalism that contributes to climate change?
A
A perpetual economic growth model requires exploitation of resources
This model necessitates the exploitation of resources.
22
Q
What energy sources have fueled economic growth in capitalism?
A
Cheap energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas
These sources have been pivotal in sustaining economic expansion.
23
Q
According to the IPCC report, what do some scientists believe about climate change?
A
It is caused by industrial development, particularly by capitalist society’s social and economic development
This perspective views capitalism as ultimately unsustainable.
24
Q
What does the IPCC state about greenhouse gas emissions?
A
They must peak in the next 4 years
This is a critical timeline for addressing climate change.
25
What percentage of GHG emissions is accounted for by household consumption?
60%
## Footnote
This highlights the significant impact of individual consumption patterns on climate change.
26
What % of global emissions are the richest 10% responsible for?
50%
27
What % of global emissions are the poorest 50% responsible for?
8%
28
What has been the rise in average surface temp from the early 20th Century?
End of 2024 reported as 1.5 degrees
29
By what factor are CH4 and NO2 more potent than CO2 in the GHG effect?
25% and 300%
30
According to UK estimates, what proportion of GHG are CO2, CH4 and NO2
86%, 7% and 6%
31
What has been the trend over time in volume of fossil fuels burned AND proportion of energy consumption that comes from burning of fossil fuels?
Volume increased 8x since 1950 and 2x since 1980, but proportion has reduced by 2%
32
33
What must be effectively phased out to stay within 1.5C according to the IPCC working group 3 report?
Coal
## Footnote
The report emphasizes that without phasing out coal, achieving the 1.5C target is impossible.
34
According to the IPCC, by what percentage must methane emissions be reduced?
A third
## Footnote
This reduction is crucial for mitigating climate change.
35
How much slower is the investment in the shift to a low-carbon world compared to what is needed?
About six times slower
## Footnote
This indicates a significant gap in climate investment.
36
Why is coal the 'world's dirtiest fuel'?
heaviest emitter of CO2 – 1,000g of CO2 per kWh of energy vs. 475g for gas (Oil = 50% more than natural gas but not really used in electricity)
37
How many countries are coal free?
77%
38
Which states have commitment to phase out coal by 2030?
Canada, UK, NZ, most of EU
39
Which states have no plan to phase out coal?
Australia, USA, Russia, China, India, Japan
40
What were the reasons for the increase in fossil fuel subsidies in 2022?
Response to COVID-19 and War in Ukraine, cost of living concerns
41
What is the global total of fossil fuel subsidies per year?
$10.5 trillion
42
How much did Australia provide in subsidies to fossil fuel producers and major users in 2023-24?
$14.5 billion
43
What was the percentage increase of Australia's subsidies from 2022-2023?
31%
44
Why do governments provide financial support to fossil fuels?
States need fossil fuels for manufacturing, transport, and power
## Footnote
Many states are not self-sufficient in fossil fuel production
45
What challenge do governments face when withdrawing subsidies for fossil fuels?
It leads to a rise in the cost of living
## Footnote
This creates political difficulties for governments
46
How do subsidies to the fossil fuel industry affect green energy transitions?
They increase the cost of the green transition for governments
## Footnote
Governments end up paying for both fossil fuels and green energy
47
What are 2 examples of Australia avoiding a transition away from coal?
May 2024 - NSW extended life of coal fired power station
Sept 2024 - Albanese govt approved 3 coal min extensions
48
What is China's approach to coal energy?
2024 – China approved the building of 10 new coal power plants = 83% drop from previous year + 0 new coal-based steel plants BUT started building 41GW of previously permitted coal plants in first half of 2024 = nearly as much as was built for the whole of 2022
China accounted for 95% of the world’s new coal power construction activity in 2023
Also added 400GW of wind and solar since 2023 7% decline in coal power output b/w June 2023 and June 2024
49
What are the key commitments made in the Paris Climate Agreement?
1. To keep global temperatures "well below" 2.0C (3.6F) above pre-industrial times and "endeavour to limit" them even more, to 1.5C
2. To limit the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by human activity to the same levels that trees, soil and oceans can absorb naturally, beginning at some point between 2050 and 2100 (i.e. reach Net Zero)
3. Conserving and enhancing carbon sinks and reservoirs (forest, plants, oceans)
4. Stocktake - To review each country's contribution to cutting emissions every five years so they scale up to the challenge to the ‘highest possible ambition’ every 5 years with first scheduled for 2023 = aim = ‘ratcheting up’ ambition
5. For rich countries to help poorer nations by providing "climate finance" to adapt to climate change and switch to renewable energy $100bn per year from OECD states by 2020 for Green Climate Fund and continue to mobilise this level until 2025
6. All states to develop plans for adapting to the impacts of climate change
50
51
What is the compatibility status of NDCs from the countries analyzed by Climate Action Tracker?
No NDCs are 1.5 degree compatible
## Footnote
40 states including all major economies are analyzed
52
Which countries are considered 2 degree compatible based on pledges and policies?
* Bhutan
* Costa Rica
* Ethiopia
* Kenya
* Morocco
* Nepal
* Nigeria
* Norway
* The Gambia
* United Kingdom
## Footnote
9 countries are identified as 2 degree compatible
53
What was the warming trajectory before the Paris Climate Agreement was signed?
4-5 degrees by 2100
## Footnote
The world was on track for significant warming prior to the agreement
54
What are the current policy projections for global warming according to Climate Action Tracker?
2.7 degrees
## Footnote
Current policies indicate a warming trajectory of 2.7 degrees
55
As of November 2024, what are the projected warming outcomes based on current NDCs?
2.6 degrees based on 2030 targets, 2.1 degrees long term targets
## Footnote
These projections are based on current NDCs
56
What is the probability of exceeding 1.5 degrees based on 2030 and long-term targets?
95% chance based on 2030 targets, 90% based on long-term targets
## Footnote
High probability of exceeding critical warming thresholds
57
What is the chance of warming reaching 3.0 degrees or higher?
33% chance of 3.0 or higher, 10% chance higher than 3.6
## Footnote
These percentages reflect significant warming risks
58
What is one of the key principles of NDCs regarding their review?
Reviewed every 5 years with ambition 'ratcheted' up
## Footnote
Regular reviews are intended to increase ambition over time
59
How many states submitted second NDCs with stronger targets according to Climate Action Tracker?
28 states
## Footnote
Of the 40 states analyzed, 28 submitted stronger targets
60
According to UNEP, how many new and updated NDCs would result in lower 2030 emissions compared to initial NDCs?
74 of 139 new and updated NDCs
## Footnote
These represent 77% of global GHG emissions
61
What percentage of global emissions is covered by net zero targets for 2050 or earlier?
36%
## Footnote
This indicates a significant portion of emissions are covered by net zero targets
62
What is the status of net zero targets according to Climate Action Tracker?
73% of targets were inadequate
## Footnote
Most net zero targets are formulated vaguely and do not conform to good practice
63
What states have adequate net zero targets according to Climate Action Tracker?
The EU, UK, Chile, and Costa Rica
## Footnote
These countries are noted as exceptions to the trend of inadequate net zero targets
64
What has Australia's response to the Paris Climate Agreement been?
2015 Submitted first NDC – target of 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030 – heavily criticised
Oct 2021 - 2nd NDC – did not change ambition
May 2022 – Labor govt. elected
June 2022 – new govt. submits a new NDC – target = 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 = 2 degree compatible
26 July 2022 – Govt. enshrines target in bill to parliament incl. that any future targets must be a progression beyond current commitments passed in Sept. 2022
65
What has the USA's response to the Paris Climate Agreement been?
Initial NDC – 26-28%
2017 Trump withdraws USA from Paris, not actioned until Nov. 2020
Jan 2021 Biden rejoins
22nd April 2021 – NDC – reduce emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030 (1.5 compliant would be 57-63%)
March 2021 – Biden announces US$2tr infrastructure investment plan – accelerate climate action. Climate Action Tracker indicates plan is key to reaching 2030 target
The infrastructure plan includes a USD 100 billion investment in the power grid and clean technologies with the goal of achieving a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035. It also calls for an investment of USD 174 billion to construct 500,000 new charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) across the US by 2030, to electrify the federal fleet and replace at least 20% of school buses with electric models.
Other elements in the plan include investments in buildings retrofits and climate science research and innovation, as well as eliminating tax preferences for fossil fuels industries. However, it is still unclear whether the wide-ranging infrastructure bill will gain Congressional approval in its current form.
20th Jan 2025 US withdraw from PCA again under Trump
66
What are the issues with climate financing?
Viewed as being well short of the level of finance needed
UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s estimate that $1.6 trillion–$3.8 trillion is required annually to avoid warming exceeding 1.5 °C
Also problematic that much is given in loans rather than grants + steered towards mitigation rather than adaptation
COP27 (Nov 2022) – first time a loss and damage fund was agreed o – provide funding to states most vulnerable and affected
67
What were the main issues at COP 26 (Glasgow)
Future of coal – COP26 President urged negotiators to ‘consign coal power to history’
Address shortfall in climate finance
Carbon pricing (Article 6 of the Paris Agreement set out basic principles for a well-functioning international carbon market)
Lack of ambition in current pledges
Deforestation
Methane
Adaptation
Agriculture
Net Zero targets
68
What were the outcomes from COP 26?
Goal: focus on 1.5 degrees (instead of well below 2 degrees)
Deforestation: 130 states – with 85% of the world’s forests – promised to stop deforestation by 2030
Methane: 100 states agreed to scheme to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030 – but no China, Russia or India
Finance: 450 financial institutions overseeing $130 trillion in assets promised to align their portfolios with achieving net zero by 2050
Climate Finance: promise of $500bn in 5 years + double proportion going to adaptation (fell short of 50:50)
Emissions – meeting set for 2022 in Egypt for ratcheting up of NDCs (brought forward from 2025) – all states urged to come back with greater ambitions
Request for a yearly report summarising state’s annual commitments
69
What was the coal decision made at COP 26?
70
What is the main objective of the European Union's Green Deal?
To make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
71
What is the EU's current GHG target>
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
72
When does the EU plan to be net zero by?
climate neutrality by 2050
73
What percentage of the EU's budget is allocated to climate action?
30%
74
What industries are covered by the EU Emissions Trading Scheme?
power and industry sectors and aviation, expanded in 2019 to include shipping, domestic heating and road transport
75
What is the target reduction of CO2 emissions by 2030 under the revised Emissions Trading Scheme?
61% reduction from 2005 levels
## Footnote
This target is part of the wider scope of the ETS which now includes shipping, domestic heating, and road transport.
76
What is the projected range for carbon prices under the revised EU Emissions Trading Scheme?
€90 - €130 per tonne of CO2
## Footnote
This projection is based on modelling and was adopted on 29 June 2022.
77
What is the EU's Effort Sharing Regulation?
National emission reduction targets = 55% of EU’s greenhouse gas emissions housing, waste, agriculture, transport (not aviation) = binding targets for each member state to cut emissions based on national wealth total of 10% across EU
## Footnote
Malta is exempt from the tougher targets imposed on other states.
78
What is the EU target for CO2 removal by 2030?
At least 310 million tonnes
## Footnote
This target was agreed upon on 29 June 2022.
79
What is the new renewable energy target for the EU by 2030?
At least 40%
## Footnote
This target was agreed by EU energy ministers on 27 June 2022.
80
What is the goal for CO2 emission standards for cars and vans by 2035 in the EU?
100% reduction
## Footnote
This means no new internal combustion engine vehicles can be placed on the market in the EU by 2035, as agreed in June 2022.
81
What is the purpose of the EU's Social Climate Fund?
Provide support measures and investments for vulnerable households, micro-enterprises, and transport users
## Footnote
This position was agreed upon by EU environment ministers on 29 June 2022.
82
What is the EU goal for reducing GHG intensity of ships by 2050?
75% reduction
## Footnote
This goal is aimed at promoting the use of greener fuels for shipping, as agreed by the EU Council on 2 June 2022.
83
What is the focus of the EU legislation regarding sustainable aviation fuels?
Increase research into biofuels and electrofuels
## Footnote
Currently, sustainable aviation fuels account for only 0.05% of aviation fuel consumption.
84
What are the features of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechamism?
Aim = prevent EU efforts being offset by increased emissions outside borders through relocation of production to non-EU states or increased imports of carbon intensive by prodding non-EU countries to put their own prices on CO2
Raises prices of imported goods that do not have climate-protection costs faced by producers in the EU due to ETS
15 March 2022 Council reached agreement on text
Designed to function in parallel with ETS
2023-2025 = transitional period that will require reporting requirements on EU importer
2026 = full implementation
85
What is carbon pricing?
Implementing a market-based system where businesses are charged a price for each ton of carbon dioxide they emit, encouraging them to reduce emissions.
## Footnote
This approach is aimed at incentivizing businesses to lower their carbon footprint through financial mechanisms.
86
What are renewable energy mandates?
Setting targets for the percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources like solar and wind power.
## Footnote
This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and promotes the use of clean energy.
87
What do energy efficiency standards aim to achieve?
Establishing standards for energy consumption in buildings and appliances to promote better energy usage.
## Footnote
An example includes requiring specific insulation for new buildings to reduce heating.
88
What are electric vehicle incentives?
Providing financial incentives for purchasing electric vehicles to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-powered transportation.
## Footnote
This encourages consumers to choose electric options over traditional vehicles.
89
What is the purpose of investing in public transport?
To reduce car use by building a reliable, cost-effective public transport network.
90
What does forest conservation and restoration involve?
Protecting existing forests and planting new trees to absorb carbon dioxide.
## Footnote
This strategy is crucial for mitigating climate change effects.
91
What are sustainable agriculture practices?
Promoting farming methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health.
92
What is coastal protection infrastructure?
Building seawalls, levees, and other structures to protect coastal communities from rising sea levels and storm surges.
93
What does floodplain management entail?
Implementing measures to reduce flood risks in flood-prone areas, including land use planning and wetland restoration.
94
What are drought mitigation strategies?
Developing water conservation practices and improving water management systems to address drought conditions.
95
What is climate-resilient agriculture?
Adapting agricultural practices to changing weather patterns, such as choosing drought-tolerant crops.
96
What are disaster preparedness and response plans?
Enhancing disaster response capabilities to address climate-related extreme weather events.
97
What are community relocation plans?
Considering relocation strategies for communities at high risk of climate-related disasters.
98
What was Turnbull’s proposed National Energy Guarantee (NEG)?
Included a target for reducing emissions with a reintroduction of a price on carbon.
99
True or False: The Climate Council supported the NEG as a sufficient response to climate change.
False
## Footnote
The Climate Council called the NEG 'a woefully inadequate response' to climate change.
100
What was the outcome of Turnbull withdrawing the emissions aspect of the NEG?
Did not stop the first leadership spill vote occurring.
101
What did Morrison declare about the NEG after coming to office?
The policy was ‘dead’.
102
What evidence indicated public opinion was divided on climate change during the Morrison government?
Backlash in the Wentworth by-election and the Victorian State election later in the year.
103
What criticism did Eytan Lendo and Tom Kline have regarding Morrison's approach to climate change?
Technology fails to provide the ‘kick start’ incentive to move away from fossil fuels.
104
What did Simon Holmes a Court say about the cause of climate change that Australia was not addressing?
Ninety percent of climate change is phasing out fossil fuels.
105
What false dichotomy did the Australian Morrison government create according to critics?
Technology vs. tax.
106
What percentage of progressive voters see Australian action to reduce emissions as extremely important?
73%
107
What percentage of the Australian public surveyed view action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as important?
80%
108
What does the 2022 Climate Change Act enshrine in law?
An emissions cut target of 43% by 2030.
109
What is the shadow price on carbon established by the Albanese Government?
$70
110
What is the goal of the Future Made in Australia plan?
To attract investment to make Australia a leader in renewable energy.
111
What is the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard?
Applies to all cars sold from 2025, setting targets on suppliers rather than individual cars.
112
What is the aim of the National Electric Vehicle Strategy?
To provide low-interest loans for EV cars for workers earning less than $100,000 a year or essential workers.
113
What is the renewable energy goal set by the Albanese Government?
82% by the end of 2030.
114
What criticism did the Greens and Teals have regarding the Albanese Government's climate policies?
The bill doesn’t prevent new fossil fuel projects and the target is not ambitious.
115
True or False: IPCC states that new fossil fuel projects are compatible with the Paris Agreement.
False
116
What did Prof Howden say about a comprehensive price on greenhouse gas emissions?
Almost every economist across the globe would say it is the best and most efficient way of reducing emissions.
117
What was the reality of carbon emissions decline in Australia?
Most of the decline was due to cutting down fewer trees; actual emissions dropped only 1.5% from 2005 levels.
118
What was the trend in investment in large-scale renewable energy in 2023?
Down significantly compared to 2022.
119
What are the key features of Australia's current Climate Change policies?
NDCs – initially 26-28%, 2022 updated to 43% below 2005 levels enshrined target in law + Net Zero target of 2050 enshrined in law is a positive but 43% lacks relative ambition cf. EU, UK, USA + only 3 degree complaint
Renewable Energy Target of 82% w/ 2023 Capacity Investment Scheme offers insurance for private investors into the renewable energy sector currently only 30% of energy comes from renewables
2023 reformed Safeguard Mechanism – sets limits on amount of GHG 215 acilities can produce (baselines) that will be reduced over time (covers 28% of emissions)
2024 Future Made in Australia allocated $22.7bn over 10 years to invest in key industries aimed at becoming a ‘renewable superpower’
2024 New Vehicle Efficiency Standard sets intensity limit on suppliers across all sales – aimed at reducing transport emissions by 4% b/w 2023 and 2030
No price on Carbon + Albanese government position it won’ t be necessary because of the falling cost of renewables.
120
To what extent are current Australian policies responsive to the Paris agreement?
2022 NDC significantly more ambitious than initial NDC
BUT, NDC target is rated ‘insufficient’ by Carbon Action Tracker and is in line with a 3 degree warming scenario
Australia has a Net Zero target, which is enshrined in law BUT it excludes international aviation and shipping, has plans to include offset credits from overseas, does not separate out targets for reduction and removal, and lacks a clear plan for achieving – meaning its target is rated as ‘poor’
Financing – 2022 provided US$1.07bn in climate financing - rated as critically insufficient. BUT Australia does target most of its financing at adaptation
121
What are the projected GHG emission levels for China in 2030?
13.8 to 14.6 GtCO₂e/yr, roughly 29% higher than 2010 levels
## Footnote
This projection excludes LULUCF.
122
What are the targets set in the 14th Five Year Plan for energy intensity and emissions intensity by 2025?
* Cut energy intensity by 13.5%
* Cut emissions intensity by 18%
## Footnote
Targets are based on 2020 levels.
123
What was the progress in energy intensity and emissions intensity from 2020 to 2023?
* 2% drop in energy intensity
* 4.6% drop in emissions intensity
## Footnote
Progress was minimal.
124
What significant change occurred in China's CO₂ emissions in the second quarter of 2024?
They dropped for the first time since reopening from lockdowns
## Footnote
This reduction was driven by a surge in clean energy additions.
125
What was China's wind and solar capacity target achieved ahead of schedule?
1,200 GW by 2030, reached 1,206 GW in July 2024
## Footnote
Forecasts predict 1,310 GW by year-end.
126
What percentage reduction in coal plant permits did China achieve in the first half of 2024?
83% reduction, allowing only 9 GW
## Footnote
This follows a period of permitting over 100 GW annually in 2022 and 2023.
127
What sectors does China's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) currently cover?
Over 2,000 companies in the power sector
## Footnote
This accounts for 40% of China’s total carbon emissions.
128
What changes were made to the ETS management regulations in February 2024?
Increased punishment for non-compliance, data fraud, and market manipulation
## Footnote
New rules prohibit borrowing allowances from future years.
129
What industries are targeted for electrification and efficiency improvements in China?
* Steel
* Cement
* Aluminium
## Footnote
These subsectors align with the economy-wide carbon peaking timeline before 2030.
130
What percentage of the global electric vehicle (EV) market did China dominate in 2023?
More than 50%
## Footnote
This dominance is driving global EV development.
131
What is the target market share for new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China by 2030?
40%
## Footnote
The domestic NEV market share exceeded 30% in 2023.
132
What is the target for new forest planting in China according to the 14th FYP?
36,000 km² of new forest annually until 2025
## Footnote
This aims to increase the country’s forest coverage.
133
What percentage of China's power generation was accounted for by coal in 2023?
Approximately 60%
## Footnote
This is despite coal representing only 40% of its capacity.
134
What is the target for unabated coal in China's power generation to align with a 1.5°C pathway?
7-9% by 2030, with a complete phase-out before 2040
## Footnote
This is necessary to meet climate targets.
135
What does the Chinese government's Work Report 2024 emphasize regarding coal?
Coal’s crucial role in ensuring energy supply
## Footnote
This reflects a shift toward supporting fossil fuels despite intentions to control coal consumption.
136
What was the percentage increase in China's coal production in 2023?
3.4%
## Footnote
China's coal production reached 4.7 billion tonnes.
137
What contributed to the expected slowdown in coal consumption growth in 2024?
Record solar deployment and recovery of hydropower generation
## Footnote
Hydropower generation saw a 23% decline in 2023.
138
True or False: The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in China was launched in 2021.
True
139
What percentage of China's carbon emissions does the ETS cover?
40%
140
What significant change was made to the ETS regulation in February 2024?
Increased punishment for non-compliance, data fraud, and market manipulation
## Footnote
This aims to strengthen the effectiveness of the ETS.
141
What is the current share of renewable electricity generation in China as of 2023?
31%
142
What is the anticipated impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulations by Europe on China's ETS?
Expansion of the ETS to include cement, aluminium, and iron and steel industries
143
What percentage of global EV sales does China account for?
52%
## Footnote
BYD has overtaken Tesla as the world's best-selling EV company.
144
What percentage of China's final energy consumption does the transport sector account for?
14%
## Footnote
The transport sector also accounts for 43% of oil consumption.
145
What is the expected impact of NEVs on petrol demand growth in China?
Approximately 3% reduction
## Footnote
This transition is expected to peak petrol demand in 2023.
146
What is the aim for China's high-speed rail network by 2035?
Extend by another 120,000 km
## Footnote
The network covered about 38,000 km in 2020.
147
What is the primary focus of Li Qiang's work report on March 5th?
The word 'green' was mentioned most often
## Footnote
Li Qiang emphasized green technology and its role in future economic growth.
148
What percentage of the world's greenhouse gases does China emit annually?
More than a quarter
## Footnote
China is the world's leading polluter, having emitted more carbon dioxide than any other country in total over the past three decades.
149
From which sector do about half of China's emissions come?
The power sector, dominated by coal-fired plants
## Footnote
Another significant contributor is factories, particularly steel foundries.
150
What is the primary source of emissions from China's transportation sector?
Cars and lorries
## Footnote
Nearly a tenth of China’s total emissions come from this sector.
151
How do China's emissions per person compare to those of America?
China's emissions per person are only two-thirds of America's
## Footnote
This is despite China having a much larger population.
152
What is China's goal regarding emissions by 2030?
To peak emissions
## Footnote
China has committed to this goal in international climate negotiations.
153
What is the expected impact of China's green technology industries on its GDP growth?
Clean-energy industries accounted for 40% of China's GDP growth
## Footnote
This was reported by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
154
What is the significance of the 'new three' industries in China?
They are drivers of economic growth, including batteries, solar panels, and electric vehicles
## Footnote
The Communist Party has focused on these industries for nearly two decades.
155
True or False: China is the world's largest producer of solar cells.
True
## Footnote
Chinese companies produce 90% of the world's solar cells.
156
What is the expected trend for coal consumption in China according to the International Energy Agency?
Coal consumption is expected to decline from 2024 onwards
## Footnote
This is contingent on the growth of renewable energy sources outpacing electricity demand.
157
Fill in the blank: China aims to produce _______ of its electricity from nuclear power by 2035.
10%
## Footnote
This goal is part of China's broader energy strategy.
158
What percentage of the world's total investment in clean energy did China account for in 2023?
38%
## Footnote
This reflects China's significant role in global clean energy investments.
159
What challenges does China face regarding its coal consumption and energy transition?
Reliance on coal for energy security, job support from the coal industry, and local government priorities
## Footnote
Building coal plants is often seen as a way to boost local economies.
160
What is the role of hydrogen in China's clean energy strategy?
A potential source of clean fuel
## Footnote
China is investing in pilot projects for green hydrogen production.
161
How much of China's emissions are covered by its carbon market?
Around 40%
## Footnote
The government plans to expand this coverage to more industries by 2030.
162
What is the expected impact of tighter emissions rules in China?
Increased penalties and broader coverage of the carbon market
## Footnote
This is in response to international pressure and aims at reducing emissions.
163
What environmental challenge is China facing due to climate change?
Vulnerability of its coastline to flooding and water scarcity in the north
## Footnote
Droughts have also damaged crops across the country.
164
What was one of the targets China set for itself in 2021 regarding coal consumption?
Strictly controlling growth in coal consumption
## Footnote
China is currently off track to meet this target.
165
What percentage of the world’s solar panels are made in China?
Eight in ten
## Footnote
This statistic is reported by the International Energy Agency.
166
What is the capacity of wind- and solar-power that Chinese firms added to the grid last year?
300 gigawatts
## Footnote
This is nearly two-thirds of the amount installed globally.
167
What is the total power capacity of Britain for comparison?
100 gigawatts
168
What is a significant clean-energy investment figure reported by BloombergNEF for last year?
$1.8 trillion
## Footnote
Of this amount, 38% occurred in China.
169
What are two advantages China has for clean-energy investments?
* High savings rate
* Government direction of investment
170
What financial instrument has China encouraged its companies to issue for clean energy?
Green bonds
171
What are 'government guidance funds'?
Funds that take stakes in private businesses to support research and development
172
How much in subsidies did China's EV-makers receive between 2009 and 2023?
$231 billion
## Footnote
This figure is reported by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
173
What is a major problem faced by China's clean-energy industries?
Overcapacity
174
What do Western governments accuse China of in relation to clean-energy competition?
Unfair competition due to subsidies
175
What has been the trend for China’s support of clean-energy industries in recent years?
Support has been reduced as industries matured
176
What has China’s ruler, Xi Jinping, referred to clean energy as?
One of the 'new productive forces'
177
Fill in the blank: China’s investments in clean energy accounted for _______ of its GDP growth last year.
40%
178
What is the consequence of China's clean-energy success according to Lauri Myllyvirta?
It is due to factors like manufacturing power and growing demand for power
179
True or False: China is the largest market for green bonds.
True
180
What has happened to feed-in tariffs for renewable power in China since 2021?
They were rolled back
181
What major geopolitical action has the United States threatened in response to China's clean-energy exports?
Trade war
182
Name two companies that are significant players in China's clean-energy sector.
* CATL
* BYD
