Sustt: China's coal transition, generational heat shifts, London's baby beavers, Madagascan mangroves, US plastic U-turn
?? In-depth insight
Transition path
'Beyond Diversification': China considers the next stage of its coal transition
?? Written by Sam Robinson : "In the UK, we saw the devastating social and economic impacts coal mines closures can have on coal-dependent communities, particularly when these communities aren't offered alternative employment opportunities. Although the reasons for transitioning away from coal are far more urgent and essential today than in the UK during the 1980s, China must still carefully navigate the transition given how deeply the coal sector is rooted across Chinese society and the economy. The country has made significant progress in shifting towards renewables but as the transition accelerates, it must ensure coal-dependent communities are not left behind and that they have a stake in the clean energy future."
What’s happening? A report by think tank Ember highlights that China's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are accelerating the country's energy transition away from its historical reliance on coal by significantly investing in wind and solar power. Central SOEs have increased wind and solar capacity nearly five-fold since 2011, accounting for 40% of solar and 70% of wind capacity in 2022. Increased renewable energy investment has reduced coal's share of electricity generation from nearly 80% in 2000 to 60% in 2023. As coal's role in meeting electricity demand growth recedes, the report suggests China may soon see an absolute decline in coal power and outlines a series of recommendations to ensure a smooth, equitable transition from a social and economic perspective. (Carbon Brief)?
Why does this matter? China’s energy transition progress is crucial on a global level as the country accounts for 60% of global coal-fired electricity generation and coal-fired power emissions. In 2023, China’s total CO2 emissions from coal-fired power generation reached 5.56 billion tonnes, an all-time high almost 6% higher than 2022’s total due to a 6.7% increase in electricity demand across the country. However, despite record emissions, coal's share of the total electricity generation mix fell to 60.68% last year, down from over 72% a decade ago.?
Renewable ramp-up – As emphasised in the Ember report, heavy SOE investment in renewables has ensured coal’s share of the electricity generation mix has not soared in tandem with electricity demand, signalling a “critical turning point” in China’s transition journey. According to the International Energy Agency, China installed 301 GW of renewable capacity in 2023 and commissioned as much solar as the entire world managed in 2022. China’s focus on renewables expansion is crucial given the China Electricity Council forecasts electricity consumption to increase another 6% year-on-year by the end of 2024...
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领英推荐
?? Stat of the week – Generational heat shifts
??? A UNICEF analysis comparing the 1960s temperature average and the average between 2020-2024 reveals that nearly 466 million children worldwide now experience at least twice the number of "extremely hot" days compared to their grandparents' generation. As global temperatures rise, these extreme heat conditions—defined as days exceeding 35C (95F)—are increasingly affecting children's health, education, and well-being. Children in North and West Africa are most vulnerable, with 123 million facing severe heat exposure for over four months each year. UNICEF highlight the urgent need for climate action, improved infrastructure, and health services to protect children from the growing dangers of heat stress and its related impacts. (The Guardian)
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?? Bite-sized insights?
???? First cockney beavers in 400 years? – In a historic event, baby beavers have been born in urban London for the first time in over 400 years, thanks to a conservation project in Ealing, west London. The Eurasian beaver family was introduced to a nature reserve in Greenford last October as part of an initiative to boost public engagement with nature, study biodiversity, and monitor flood mitigation. The birth of at least two beaver kits indicates the animals are thriving in their new habitat. The Ealing Beaver Project aims to educate the public on living harmoniously with beavers, showcasing the positive environmental impacts, such as improved water quality and increased biodiversity, that these creatures bring to their surroundings. (BBC News)
?? Madagascan mangrove revival – Madagascar’s mangrove forests, once heavily deforested, are showing signs of recovery due to focused conservation efforts. A recent study using satellite images reveals that while Madagascar’s mangrove coverage decreased by 8% from 1972 to 2019, deforestation has slowed significantly, and between 2009 and 2019, mangrove cover increased by 5%. The strongest recoveries occurred in protected areas, with an 8.7% increase in coverage. Initiatives by organisations like Blue Ventures, which has planted over 9 million mangroves trees between 2014 and 2022, and community-led efforts in northern Madagascar have played crucial roles. However, challenges like illegal logging, mining, and climate change persist, meaning continued conservation and community empowerment are essential to ensure the continued success of the country's mangrove habitats. (Mongabay)?
??? US changes course on plastic – In positive news ahead of the UN plastic treaty's final round of negotiations in Busan, South Korea in November, the US is reportedly set to announce support for the treaty, which aims to reduce the production of new plastic each year, marking a significant policy shift. Previously advocating for national discretion on plastic production targets, the US now aligns with a coalition of "high ambition" countries, including EU members, South Korea, and Canada, which call for capping plastic production and targeting harmful chemicals used in plastic manufacturing. This move now puts the US at odds with major plastic producers like Saudi Arabia and China, who favour focusing on waste management over production limits. (Reuters)