Key facts
- China aims to decouple economic growth from emissions faster than advanced economies.
- Climate change poses threats to China's long-term growth and prosperity.
- Rising sea levels and coastal flooding risk major population and GDP centers.
- Extreme heat waves and droughts intensify water security and agricultural risks.
China is incorporating climate resilience into its economic growth strategy, seeking to turn climate action into an economic opportunity. The country aims to decouple economic growth and emissions at a faster pace and lower income level than advanced economies, requiring significant transformations in its energy, industrial, and transport systems, as well as its cities and land use patterns.
Climate change poses substantial threats to China's long-term prosperity, with rising sea levels and coastal flooding endangering densely populated coastal cities that contribute a third of the nation's GDP. Meanwhile, interior provinces are increasingly exposed to extreme heat waves and droughts, exacerbating water security and agricultural risks, particularly for rural populations.
The World Bank's China Country Climate and Development Report highlights that while addressing climate risks is imperative, achieving China's climate and development goals will be challenging. However, the report also notes that China is well-positioned to unlock new sources of economic growth, innovation, and job creation through decarbonization and climate adaptation, potentially reducing reliance on imported fuels and enhancing energy security.