In a recent discourse on carbon reduction efforts, a reader raised a thought-provoking question: 'Some media reports suggest that certain developed countries have already abandoned their carbon reduction efforts. As a developing country, why does China still remain committed to cutting carbon emissions?' The response clarifies that China's pursuit of carbon reduction is not due to external pressure but stems from a steadfast commitment to its own objectives.

To understand this commitment, one must first clarify the concept of 'carbon' in the context of carbon reduction. It primarily refers to greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, rather than the elemental carbon itself. Among these, carbon dioxide plays a pivotal role due to its significant association with human activities, which makes it a fundamental metric for measuring emission levels.

The pressing need for carbon reduction is underscored by the looming threat of global warming, which endangers human survival and the continuity of civilization. Repeated warnings from the United Nations have established a connection between increasing greenhouse gas emissions and the alarming rise in climate-related disasters. According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2024 marked the hottest year on record, with an unprecedented increase in extreme weather patterns.

No nation can claim immunity from the repercussions of global warming. In China, for instance, the China Meteorological Administration reported that the national average temperature in 2024 reached 10.9 degrees Celsius, marking the highest level since records began in 1951. This year also saw an increase in high-temperature days and annual precipitation that disrupted agricultural production and posed threats to both lives and property.

The rationale for carbon reduction extends beyond climate security; it encompasses international and domestic dimensions. Globally, China recognizes its role as a major nation responsible for fostering cooperation in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a shared future for humanity. By investing in decarbonization, China aims not only to solidify its leadership in international environmental governance but also assists other developing nations in enhancing their climate resilience.

On the domestic front, carbon reduction aligns with China's ambition for a green transition and sustainable development, addressing the citizens' increasing demand for a pristine ecological environment. Strengthening its energy mix through significant investments in hydropower, nuclear energy, and renewables has yielded lower carbon emissions and reduced air pollutants such as PM2.5, which saw a notable decrease in concentration across major cities.

Over the past decade, China has achieved a considerable reduction in coal dependency, dropping its proportion of coal usage by 12.6 percentage points. This transition has allowed for robust economic growth, with renewable energy sources accounting for roughly a third of the nation’s total electricity consumption in 2023. This dynamic illustrates how environmental sustainability and economic progression can coexist.

Moreover, fostering carbon reduction allows China to adapt to technological advancements while facilitating structural economic transformation. The country has phased out significant amounts of outdated production capacity in staple industries like steel and positioned itself as a global leader in clean energy manufacturing, evidenced by its major shares in polysilicon and battery production.

Despite some nations reconsidering their carbon commitments, China remains unwavering in its resolve. The commitment to green development is now fundamentally interconnected with the pursuit of high-quality developmental standards. As China advances towards renewable energy-driven futures, it not only aims for reduced carbon emissions but also seeks to redefine its overall growth model.

Li Changan, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics, encapsulates this sentiment, stating that China's transformation to a resource-efficient, innovative, and efficiency-oriented model necessitates stringent emissions targets, thereby making decarbonization a strategic imperative. This foundational shift enhances the nation's environmental standards while laying a foundation for continued progress in green sectors.

In summary, China’s ongoing commitment to carbon emissions reduction illustrates a dual commitment not only to addressing climate challenges but also to elevating its own economic development trajectory in an environmentally friendly manner. As the country steers through this transition, the vision of a sustainable and thriving future continues to be realized.