BEIJING (AP) – By backing off the U.S. commitment to address climate change, President Donald Trump leaves an opening for a chief economic rival, China, to expand its increasing dominance in the renewable energy industry. In reacting to Trump’s announcement that he was withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate accord, China reaffirmed its commitment to the landmark agreement and is poised to spend heavily in coming years on renewables.
Yet the world’s most populous country remains heavily reliant on coal to generate electricity and power its steel mills – a habit that could be hard to break without stifling its economic aspirations. Here’s a look at some of the trends and challenges that could shape China’s – and the world’s -energy future.
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BEIJING’S COMMITTMENT TO CURBING POLLUTION
China’s rush to renewables has been driven largely by local pollution from power plants and factories that frequently blankets Beijing and other major cities, endangering public health and driving some residents overseas. Economic opportunity has also played a role, with massive investments in solar and wind helping dramatically drive down the cost for renewables worldwide.