Solaiman Hassanin ‘23

From the murky skies of Beijing, the decision was made: China would no longer build coal power plants in other countries. For some, it was a monumental step in the direction of true climate action. It was a pathway out of the dark into a world where struggling nations would receive help and expertise in renewable energy, opening a door of possibility for all. 

But for many, praise was a step too far. Despite pledging to go carbon neutral by 2060 China has continued building domestic power plants, with no clear plan in sight, and there continues to be a failure by to back up ambition and rhetoric. President Xi Jinping may give polished speeches, but it is true action that will win others over. Still, the move proves itself difficult to understate. China, the biggest contributor to the building of overseas coal plants, is stopping all overseas construction. For once people can breathe knowing that this is not a half-hearted attempt to quell criticism; it is a move that is not open for either retreat or for a bargain. One of the biggest projects in human history, the belt and road initiative, will be for the most part “green”. 

It also shows a basis for such projects. Western nations have tried with their “Build Back Better” initiative to woo developing nations into joining their side, but with the Belt-and-Road going “green” environmentalists can sleep knowing that China will neither use coal as a method of reducing cost nor will any future project of this kind feature such “non-renewable energies.” 

Yet, China’s own use of coal will always be the point of focus. Facing an energy shortage China is more and more dependent on coal. Imports of coal and gas have increased to make up for years of energy mismanagement. China still needs bold economic reforms if it wants to be taken seriously on climate, and now will be the time more than ever. While many will breathe a sigh of relief for the belt and road announcement, the dragon’s energy dilemma is far from over.