Going green with China

In this critical decade for climate action, the choice between making progress and stagnation will define the future of humanity

Amid escalating climate challenges, China's robust investment in renewable energy across the Global South is a critical lifeline for developing nations. As global temperatures soar past the 1.5 C threshold, marking an unprecedented milestone in climate history, the need for decisive, cooperative action has never been more urgent. This makes the recent US decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement under President Donald Trump's administration all the more consequential. The move not only diminishes global unity but also underscores a growing chasm in climate leadership between the two largest economies in the world.

The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, remains the world's most significant pact to combat climate change, aiming to limit temperature increases to well below 2 C above pre-industrial levels. While it is not legally binding, it provides a framework for international cooperation essential to mitigating global warming. The United States' decision to withdraw, for the second time, from the Paris Agreement starkly contrasts with China's approach, which has emphasized renewable energy investment and sustainable development in Africa, Latin America and other developing regions.

China's involvement in renewable energy projects offers a blueprint for how international partnerships can drive sustainable development. In Africa, for example, the Garissa Solar Plant in Kenya, funded and constructed by Chinese companies, generates enough power for over 70,000 households. Ethiopia's Adama Wind Farm, another Chinese-backed initiative, has significantly boosted the country's renewable energy capacity while creating local jobs and fostering technology transfer.

In Latin America, China has financed transformative projects such as Argentina's Cauchari Solar Project, one of the largest solar installations in the region. Ecuador's Coca Codo Sinclair Hydroelectric Plant further illustrates the scale of Chinese engagement, which has helped partner countries reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. These projects highlight China's ability to integrate financial resources, technical expertise, and infrastructure development to meet the energy needs of developing nations.

However, these ventures are not without criticism. Concerns over the environmental and social impacts of large-scale infrastructure projects and the sustainability of Chinese loans have been raised by environmentalists and local communities. Addressing these challenges is critical for ensuring that renewable energy initiatives deliver long-term benefits. By adopting more inclusive and community-centered approaches, China can enhance the effectiveness and equity of its investments.

President Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement echoes his administration's broader pivot toward fossil fuel reliance. Trump has framed the accord as a "rip-off", claiming it undermines US economic interests. The withdrawal is part of a broader rollback of environmental regulations, including the end of Joe Biden-era climate policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which had channeled billions into clean energy initiatives.

This policy reversal has significant ramifications. The US, one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases, will now stand outside the global effort to combat climate change. By prioritizing oil and gas production, the US risks isolating itself from a burgeoning global clean energy market, which generated $2 trillion in 2023 alone, according to UN climate chief Simon Stiell.

Trump's rhetoric — promising a return to "drill, baby, drill" policies and vowing to make the US a dominant energy exporter — ignores the economic and environmental opportunities of transitioning to renewable energy. While the US remains a leader in fossil fuel production, this reliance on oil and gas comes with increasing vulnerability to climate disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes and droughts, which strain the economy and threaten food security.

The decision to withdraw also diminishes the credibility of the US on the global stage, undermining its ability to influence climate policy and collaborate with other nations. In contrast, China has positioned itself as a leader in renewable energy, capitalizing on the void left by the US to strengthen its partnerships with countries seeking sustainable development solutions.

A key aspect of China's renewable energy strategy is its emphasis on capacity building. Beyond constructing infrastructure, China has invested in training programs to equip local engineers and technicians with the skills needed to operate and maintain renewable energy systems. In Africa, partnerships between Chinese institutions and universities have strengthened local expertise, ensuring the sustainability of energy projects.

Similarly, in Latin America, joint ventures in solar panel production and wind turbine manufacturing have bolstered local industries while fostering technology transfer. These initiatives exemplify a long-term approach that prioritizes local empowerment alongside infrastructure development. By transferring knowledge and technology, China helps partner countries build resilience against the impacts of climate change while reducing their dependency on fossil fuels.

While China's renewable energy investments have had a transformative impact, they are not without flaws. Critics point to the environmental degradation associated with some large-scale projects, as well as concerns over debt sustainability for partner countries. Addressing these issues requires greater transparency in project planning and financing, as well as stronger engagement with local communities to ensure their needs and concerns are prioritized.

Innovative financing models, such as blended finance that combines public and private resources, could help mitigate the risks of unsustainable debt. Additionally, incorporating rigorous environmental and social safeguards into project designs would enhance their credibility and long-term viability.

The divergence between China's renewable energy push and the US' retreat from the Paris Agreement underscores the need for global solidarity in addressing climate change. Developing nations, which are disproportionately affected by climate impacts, require significant support from wealthier countries to achieve carbon neutrality.

The 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation. While the US withdrawal undermines global efforts, it also highlights the potential for other nations to step up and fill the leadership vacuum. China's proactive engagement in the Global South offers a compelling example of how targeted investments and partnerships can drive progress toward sustainability.

However, this cannot be a one-country effort. The fight against climate change requires a unified approach that brings together governments, businesses, and civil society. Developed nations must honor their commitments to provide financial and technical support to developing countries, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. Similarly, emerging economies must balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, adopting policies that prioritize renewable energy and low-carbon development.

As global temperatures continue to rise, the stakes for climate action could not be higher. The US' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement represents a step backward, jeopardizing the progress made in the fight against climate change. In contrast, China's renewable energy investments in the Global South demonstrate how international partnerships can drive transformative change, fostering economic development while reducing carbon emissions.

The challenge ahead is clear: to build a sustainable future, the world must embrace a collective vision that prioritizes cooperation and equity. By learning from the successes and shortcomings of existing initiatives, nations can chart a path toward a cleaner, more resilient planet.

In this critical decade for climate action, the choice between progress and stagnation will define the future of humanity. It is a choice that demands courage, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of sustainability and justice.

The author is executive director of South-South Dialogues, a Nairobi-based communications development think tank. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.