"It marks a major shift for one of the biggest backers of coal-fired plants globally. Still, China remains heavily reliant on new coal plants at home, and is the world’s top emitter of greenhouse gases."
"In a move designed to bolster Beijing’s climate credentials, President Xi Jinping of China said Tuesday that his country would stop building coal-burning power plants overseas, ending its support for construction projects that rely on the world’s dirtiest fossil fuel.
“China will step up support for other developing countries in developing green and low carbon energy and will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad,” Mr. Xi said in prerecorded remarks to the United Nations General Assembly.
Within its own borders, China produces the largest share of global emissions of greenhouse gases. It is by far the biggest producer of coal domestically and the largest financier of coal-fired power plants abroad, with an enormous 40 gigawatts of coal power planned, by some estimates.
A hint of China’s shift came earlier this year. For the first time in several years, China did not fund new coal projects as part of its global development undertaking, known as the Belt and Road Initiative, in the first six months of 2021. Chinese coal projects have faced considerable resistance in countries like Bangladesh, Kenya and Vietnam, mainly by civil society groups."
Somini Sengupta and Rick Gladstone report for the New York Times September 21, 2021.
SEE ALSO:
"China Says It Won’t Build New Coal Plants Abroad. What Does That Mean?" (New York Times)
"Ahead Of Climate Talks, China Vows To Stop Building Coal Power Plants Abroad" (NPR)
"China, US Unveil Separate Big Steps To Fight Climate Change" (AP)
"China Is Key To Saving The Planet From Climate Change. But It Can’t Quit Coal." (Washington Post)
"China's Overseas Coal Power Retreat Could Wipe Out $50 Bln Of Investment" (Reuters)
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