Analysis: China’s CO2 climbs 2% in early 2026 due to ‘wasted’ wind and solar

China's CO2 emissions rose by 2% in early 2026, driven by an increased reliance on coal and gas despite significant investments in renewable energy. Analysts attribute this to grid management inefficiencies and the economic impact of the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Why it matters
China's energy policy is a primary driver of global climate trends, and its struggle to integrate renewables highlights the challenges of the global energy transition.
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The report relies on data analysis from energy experts and maintains a neutral, fact-based tone.
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