China emitting less carbon than previously thought

Science : According to a new study released yesterday, China is emitting 13% less carbon since 2000 than was previously estimated. The main reason for the difference is that China’s coal supply was assumed to be of similar quality to coal burned in Western nations. China’s coal, though, is actually of lower quality and therefore has a lower carbon content than that burned in the US and Europe. Despite the lower estimate, China remains the largest carbon emitter in the world. And because it is burning low-quality coal, it must burn more to produce the required heat, which releases more particulates and other pollutants into the air. Nevertheless, China’s pledge last year to cut emissions by 2030 has been seen as a good sign by other nations, and the current study should help its government set policy to achieve that goal.