China emitted 13 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2021, marking a 4.3% increase compared to the previous year, according to its latest official submission to the United Nations, as reported by state media on Friday.
This figure represents the most recent official estimate of China’s annual emissions, proving its position as the world’s largest carbon emitter.
The previous official calculation, covering 2017, reported total emissions of 11.55 billion tons.
As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, China is now obliged to submit detailed emissions numbers every two years, as well as progress reports on climate change adaptation and mitigation.
China’s first biennial report, submitted to the United Nations’ climate body in December, showed that annual greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide and methane, increased by more than 70% since 2005 due to rising energy demand.
In 2021, energy sector emissions accounted for 11 billion tons, or 76.9% of the total.
Among the major sectors, cement production emissions are at 802 million tons of CO2 in 2021, down 3.2% on the year as a result of declining clinker production. Emissions from steel smelting also fell 2.3% to 65.5 million tons.
China plans to peak total CO2 emissions before 2030 but is facing challenges in achieving its 2025 interim target of reducing CO2 emissions per unit of economic growth by 18% between 2021 and 2025.