China’s 2035 plan pushes wind and solar capacity toward 3,600 GW

In the recent UN General Assembly in New York, the nations of the world laid out their NDCs, and China is head and shoulders above the rest in adopting real-world renewable energy capacity. The nations in attendance were some of the biggest economies in the world, which laid out their nationally determined contributions. The world has become acutely aware that the need to adopt renewable energy has become as urgent as ever, and several countries, like China, have taken significant steps towards reaching their lofty ambitions of decarbonization.

The nations of the world are working hard to meet the goals set out by the Paris Agreement

When the nations of the world came together in Paris to discuss and make commitments to the global decarbonization efforts, the meeting was hailed as an epitome of global cooperation. Throughout history, rarely have the biggest nations of the world come together to agree on anything, let alone something as divisive as the climate.

However, in an unprecedented move, the nations of the world laid out their countries ‘ commitments to reaching the decarbonization goals. While every nation in attendance at the event in New York has taken significant steps to reduce its emissions, China has done more than any other nation.

Of the nations shown attended, the majority outlined their nationally determined contributions, while those who did not are expected to do so in the coming weeks before the leaders meet in Belem, Brazil, for the 30th meeting of the U.N. Conference of the Parties (COP30). Among the nations that have already expressed their NDCs are:

• China
• The European Union
• Peru
• Türkiye
• several small island states

Several nations have already expressed their NDCs before the event, while some are yet to release theirs, but are expected to do so in the near future.

While progress has been made, more needs to be done to reach the global decarbonization goals

The NDCs already expressed are commendable, but praise will only get you so far before more tangible action is required. Every nation can claim they are doing its best to reach its emission goals, but a lack of investments and slow adoption of the renewable energy sector has led to many pointing out that the pace of transformation is not fast enough.

“It is hopeful, but not fast enough, nor at the scale needed. Good direction of travel notwithstanding, this is not enough action to avert the worst impacts climate change will visit upon the people of this planet. Countries need to keep turning these promises into clear action at home.” – Manish Bapna, president and CEO of NRDC

China has emerged as a leader in the global community regarding actual steps taken by the government in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. Europe has seen robust demand for renewable energy capacity, but more needs to be done to adopt the technology.

China has outlined its ambitions during President Xi’s speech to the assembly. He highlighted several measures the Chinese have taken, which include bringing the total installed wind and solar capacity to 3,600 gigawatts, among others.

The nations of the world are committed to changing the energy sector for future generations

The disastrous climate events that have ravaged parts of the world are a warning sign from our planet. Do more now to reduce the impact of our society on the climate, or face destructive consequences. China’s commitment to transitioning its energy sector towards the renewable industry is commendable, and it can take solace in the fact that other nations are embracing wind power as a viable form of energy generation. Time will reveal which countries are serious about their nations’ NDCs.