China records slower carbon-emission growth in 2024

Rise in domestic emissions slowed to 0.6% against 0.8% global rate. 

China's man-made carbon emissions rose 0.6% in 2024, slowing from the previous year and remaining below the global increase of 0.8%, according to the China Greenhouse Gas Bulletin released by the China Meteorological Administration. 

The latest figures reflect progress in implementing national carbon-reduction measures, the administration said.

The bulletin reported an average carbon dioxide concentration of 424.9 parts-per-million (ppm) at the Waliguan Baseline Observatory in Qinghai, showing a 3.5 ppm year-on-year (YoY) rise consistent with the global average. Several regional stations, including Shangdianzi, Longfengshan and Shangri-La, recorded increases lower than the global figure.

The release follows the WMO’s October update, which recorded global carbon dioxide levels at 423.9 ppm in 2024, the largest annual increase since 1957. The WMO attributed the global rise to sustained fossil fuel use, weakened land and ocean carbon sinks driven by extreme heat, and higher wildfire emissions.

The 2024 bulletin marks China’s 14th consecutive annual release of greenhouse gas data, covering one global baseline observatory, 18 regional stations and more than 120 monitoring sites.