Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast
China's Decarbonisation Leadership: Is Trump (accidentally) fueling Beijing's climate takeover?
Apr 17, 2025
Li Shuo, Director of the China Climate Hub, dives into China’s pivotal role in global decarbonization amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape. He discusses how China has become a technology superpower while still grappling with its coal dependency. The conversation examines the influence of U.S. policies under Trump, particularly tariffs, on China’s climate strategies. Li emphasizes that as the U.S. retreats from climate leadership, China may redefine its role, making it essential to understand its motivations and potential impact on global climate action.
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Quick takeaways
- China is establishing itself as a global leader in clean energy technology by dominating the solar and electric vehicle markets while still grappling with its coal dependency.
- The U.S.-China trade tensions, exacerbated by tariffs, could inadvertently empower China to strengthen its role in global climate cooperation and technology dissemination.
Deep dives
China's Growing Leadership in Renewable Energy
China is increasingly taking the lead in the global renewable energy sector, particularly in solar and electric vehicles. Last year, over half of all new solar power installations worldwide were attributed to China, highlighting its dominance in clean energy technology. This significant investment in renewables is part of a broader strategy to transition from a coal-heavy energy infrastructure towards cleaner alternatives, despite still approving new coal-fired power plants. Consequently, China has become the largest producer and exporter of solar panels and electric vehicle technologies, positioning itself favorably in the global market.
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