From: mk_thisisit
A surprising comparison in CO2 emissions reveals that, on a per capita basis, China emits less CO2 than Poland [00:00:52]. While China’s overall production is massive and its consumption is rapidly growing [00:01:12], its per-person emissions are still lower than Poland’s [00:01:05].
Factors Influencing China’s Emissions
Efficiency and Export-Oriented Production
One reason for China’s comparably lower per capita CO2 emissions is that they might be more efficient [00:01:37]. Despite having a lower gross product per person compared to Poland [00:01:50], China produces mainly for export, meaning a significant portion of its emissions are generated to supply goods for other countries [00:01:58].
Adherence to Science and Technology
China has developed significantly due to science and technology [00:01:19] [00:03:01]. The Chinese take seriously what scientists say, including on climate matters [00:03:05] [00:05:14]. They are very concerned about climate change [00:03:15]. This belief in education and science means China is a society that attempts to build social welfare using reason [00:05:22] [00:05:36]. For instance, China’s emission standards for cars are currently stricter than those in the European Union [00:05:10].
Despite their rapid progress in technology, China is considered to be “late” in terms of social implementation of knowledge about climate [00:04:45] [00:04:53], although they are catching up very quickly [00:05:01]. They recognize that continued growth imported from the West poses a risk, as rising temperatures could make areas like the Chinese Plain unsuitable for habitation due to frequent heat waves [00:03:42] [00:03:51]. Rising sea levels also threaten their richest and most prosperous coastal areas [00:04:05] [00:04:10]. Consequently, they are intensely developing research and activities to become less dependent on these environmental risks [00:04:20].