ABC News Daily How China became a green energy superpower
Aug 17, 2025
Jo Lauder, a climate reporter at ABC, dives into China's rapid rise as a green energy titan. She reveals that China now produces half of the world’s wind power and electric cars, yet remains the largest greenhouse gas emitter. Jo discusses the powerful role of the Chinese government in accelerating this transition and the contradiction of its industrial success alongside significant pollution challenges. Explore how China's renewable energy strategies could potentially reshape global markets and serve as a model for other countries.
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Industrialisation Caused A Pollution Crisis
- Rapid industrialisation made China the world’s factory and caused severe air pollution and emissions.
- Heavy coal use for energy-intensive manufacturing produced a major public health and political crisis.
Made In China 2025 Pivoted To Clean Tech
- Made in China 2025 aimed to move China into higher-value manufacturing including clean tech.
- The plan targeted wind, solar, EVs and batteries to seize a global economic opportunity.
Pollution And Energy Security Drove Electrification
- China's green push was driven more by urban smog and energy security than purely climate altruism.
- Reducing pollutant exposure and cutting import dependence on oil motivated electrification.