Rapid Increase in CO₂ Emissions

CO₂ emissions from coal use in China have seen a significant increase, from 748 million metric tons in 1960 to 8251 million metric tons in 2022. This represents a more than tenfold increase over the 62-year period.

Decade of Highest Growth

The decade from 2000 to 2010 experienced remarkable growth, with emissions rising from 2602 million metric tons to 6569 million metric tons. This period highlights China's rapid industrialization and increased reliance on coal.

Largest Year-over-Year Increase

The year 1970 stands out for having the largest year-over-year percentage increase in CO₂ emissions at 32.93%, where emissions surged from 666 million metric tons the previous year. This indicates a period of significant energy demand growth.

Trend of Steady Increases

Despite fluctuations, there has been a consistent upward trend in emissions. The early 2000s, particularly, showcased steady increases, with emissions growing annually, reflecting China's expanding economy and energy consumption.

Recent Growth Rate

The growth rate of CO₂ emissions has remained positive in recent years, with an increase from 7523 million metric tons in 2019 to 8251 million metric tons in 2022. This indicates a continued reliance on coal despite global shifts towards cleaner energy sources.

Emission Reduction Efforts

A brief period of emission reduction is observable between 2014 and 2016, where emissions decreased from 7425 million metric tons to 7071 million metric tons. This suggests efforts or changes towards reducing coal dependency, although emissions began to rise again post-2016.

Analysis of Variability

The variability in year-over-year emission changes, ranging from a decrease of -30.21% in 1961 to an increase of 32.93% in 1970, underscores the impact of economic policies, global energy markets, and domestic energy needs on China's coal use and resulting CO₂ emissions.

Overview of Long-term Trends

Over the long term, China's CO₂ emissions from coal use have grown substantially, reflecting the country's industrial growth and increasing energy demands. The overall trend from 1960 to 2022 underscores the critical challenges and opportunities for transitioning to sustainable energy sources in one of the world's largest economies.