China, Climate Change, and Energy Transition

The remarkable growth of the People's Republic of China over the past forty years has caused significant environmental damage: soil erosion, deforestation, and pollution of rivers and lakes, all of which directly impact the lives of the Chinese population. However, for Beijing, ensuring that "the skies are blue, the water is clean, and the mountains are green" is essential for securing the long-term stability of the Middle Kingdom and, therefore, the sovereignty of the Communist Party. As a result, the Chinese government aims to reduce coal usage and focus on less polluting energy sources, but this means disrupting power networks and finding a new balance between economic growth and quality of life.