Experts Call China’s New Climate Target ‘Underwhelming,’ Warn It Falls Short of Paris Goals

China’s recently announced goal to cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 7–10% from their peak by 2035 has been criticised by climate experts as “disappointing” and far below what is needed to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target.

In a video address to the UN, President Xi Jinping also pledged to raise the share of non-fossil fuels in energy consumption to over 30% and increase wind and solar capacity sixfold from 2020 levels. While marking China’s first explicit target for reducing emissions, analysts say the pledge is weaker than what the country is already likely to achieve under current policies.

Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics, said, “China can do a lot better than this, and it hardly reflects its highest possible ambition.” The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air estimates China would need a 30% reduction to align with Paris goals.

Critics also noted China’s continued investment in coal, with nearly 100 GW of new or suspended coal projects started last year, despite earlier promises to curb coal expansion.

Still, some experts see potential for more ambitious action. Yao Zhe of Greenpeace East Asia said China tends to underpromise and overdeliver, and emissions from the power sector could peak this year. Li Shuo from the Asia Society noted that China’s dominant role in clean technology could allow it to exceed current targets and eventually take a more proactive global leadership role.