It makes sense for China to push for renewables for energy security, environmental reasons, and technological innovation that they can export. The fact it aligns with addressing climate change and making them look good is icing on cake. But a much better position than Australia finds itself in.
During Chinese premier Li Keqiang’s last visit to the UK, China signed a series of deals on energy and low carbon technology, and a declaration of cooperation on climate change. A few weeks later, similar deals were signed with the US. The question is whether this demonstrates a genuine commitment from China to environmental protection, or whether it’s just rhetoric in the run up to important climate change conferences in New York and Paris.
