Can China Reduce Emissions by 30% by 2035? - with Belinda Schäpe of CREA

Can China Reduce Emissions by 30% by 2035? - with Belinda Schäpe of CREA

Author: Beijing Energy Network December 7, 2024 Duration: 25:33

According to a recent report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), by sustaining its current expansion rate of renewable energy, China could cut 30% of power sector emissions & increase non-fossil energy share to over 40%. This would require renewable capacity of 5,000 GW by 2035 (roughly 3x current renewable capacity, or 4x current wind and solar capacity) and halting approvals of all new unabated coal power plants. CREA's report argues these goals can only be achieved through robust national targets, such as through the forthcoming Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets. 

In this podcast, we speak with CREA's Belinda Schäpe about the details of this analysis, which was reported on in detail in Reuters, Bloomberg, and AFP. 

Belinda is a China Policy Analyst with the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) where she analysis China's decarbonisation journey and advises policymakers on their diplomatic engagement with China. Previously, Belinda worked on climate diplomacy with China at the climate change think tank E3G, at the European Commission, Dialogue Earth, and a number of organisation working on economic cooperation between Europe and China. Belinda holds a double master's degree in International Affairs from the London School of Economics and Peking University and a bachelor's degree in Chinese Studies and Business Administration from Tübingen University. 

The full report from CREA is available here:

https://energyandcleanair.org/publication/chinas-clean-energy-trends-could-cut-emissions-by-30-in-2035-if-sustained/ 


Produced by the Beijing Energy Network, Environment China is a bilingual podcast that delves into the complex and vital stories shaping China's ecological landscape. Rather than offering broad pronouncements, it focuses on grounded conversations with the people on the front lines: the advocates campaigning for change, the entrepreneurs building sustainable solutions, and the researchers providing crucial data. Each episode explores the intersection of society, culture, and science, revealing how environmental policy and daily life are intertwined. You'll hear specific discussions about conservation efforts, green technology, urban design, and community initiatives, all framed within the unique context of modern China. This podcast provides a necessary platform for these nuanced voices, translating complex issues into accessible dialogue. It’s an essential listen for anyone seeking to move beyond headlines and understand the real-world work being done to address environmental challenges. By listening to Environment China, you gain insight into the multifaceted movement towards sustainability, one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Environment China
Podcast Episodes
China's Climate Path Amid Trade Tensions and Global Expectations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:54
In today's episode of Environment China, we're doing something a little bit different, cross-posting a recording of a panel hosted by the Asia Society Policy Institute's China Climate Hub. This panel discussion explores…
China Energy Transformation Outlook - Kaare Sandholt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:26
In this episode of Environment China, we are talking about China's long-term pathway to carbon neutrality and, in particular, about the recent publication of the China Energy Transformation Outlook, or CETO, which provid…
Young Professionals in Sustainability - Maggie Yao (in Chinese) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:16
In the latest episode of Environment China's podcast, we speak to Maggie Yao. Maggie is a Senior Consultant at CCaSS EY Netherlands, primarily focusing on EU environmental policy, ESG due diligence, ESG strategy, and CSR…
Young Professionals in Sustainability - UB Qiu (in Chinese) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:14
In the latest episode of Environment China's podcast series on Young Professionals in Sustainability, we speak to UB Qiu. UB is a sustainability professional with diverse, international, cross-sector experiences, includi…
Young Professionals in Sustainability: Ruixin Li (in Chinese) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:09
In the latest episode of Environment China's podcast, we speak to Ruixin Li as part of our Young Professionals in Sustainability series. Ruixin currently works as the lead climate specialist at ICF International Consulti…
Energy and AI: with Anders Hove of BEN and OIES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:48
Today, we have a special cross-over episode with the podcast called Preparing for AI, which is hosted by Matt Cartwright and Jimmy Rhodes. The guest for this episode is Anders Hove, long-time host of the Environment Chin…
Young Professionals in Sustainability - Zhinan Chen, RMI (in Chinese) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:20
In the latest episode of Environment China's podcast, we speak to Zhinan Chen as part of our Young Professionals in Sustainability series. Zhinan is a senior associate with Rocky Mountain Institute's India Program, based…