Lack of ambition in China’s economic plan leaves net zero emissions ambition adrift

China’s latest five-year economic plan provides few clues as to how it will meet its commitment to reach peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030, and net zero by 2060. Consumption of coal, gas and oil will continue to increase, while decisions on how quickly to start limiting emissions growth have been kicked further down the road and await energy and industrial sector proposals at the end of the year – leaving many observers disappointed.