While China is often headlined as the world’s largest emitter, there are some aspects that actually make me somewhat optimistic about their role.

Line chart of annual CO₂ emissions by country since 1750; China's line rises steeply to over 12 billion tonnes, far above the United States, India and Germany Annual CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and industry. Source: Our World in Data (Global Carbon Budget 2025).

  1. The Solar Superpower

China’s commitment to renewables is staggering. As shown in the Installed Solar Capacity chart, China is not just leading; it is in a league of its own. In 2024 alone, China installed more solar capacity than the total cumulative capacity of Germany. This massive scale-up is the primary reason solar PV prices have plummeted globally, making clean energy affordable for the rest of the world.

Line chart of cumulative installed solar capacity; China is at roughly 900 GW, about half of the world total, far above Germany, India and Brazil Cumulative installed solar capacity in GW. Source: Our World in Data (IRENA 2025).

  1. Leading the EV Revolution

The transition isn’t limited to the power grid. In the transport sector, China has surged ahead of traditional automotive leaders. The Share of Electric Cars charts show China rapidly outpacing Germany and the US. By betting early on battery supply chains and infrastructure, China has made electric mobility a mass-market reality while others are still navigating the transition.

Line chart of the share of cars in use that are electric from 2010 to 2024; Norway leads, China is at about 11%, ahead of Germany and the United States Share of cars in use that are electric, 2010–2024. Source: Our World in Data (IEA Global EV Outlook 2025).

Small-multiple line charts of the share of new cars sold that are electric; China is at almost 50%, while Germany and the United States are much lower Share of new cars sold that are electric, 2010–2024. Source: Our World in Data (IEA Global EV Outlook 2025).

  1. Public Will for Change

Contrary to the “top-down” stereotype, there seems to be deep public resonance for climate action. The Support for Climate Policies map reveals that the Chinese population shows some of the highest levels of support globally for interventions like carbon taxes and more renewable energy.

World map of the share of people supporting climate policies in 2023; China is among the darker, high-support countries, while the United States and Russia are lighter Share of people who support policies to tackle climate change, 2023. Source: Our World in Data.