Research released on Thursday reveals that China is constructing nearly twice as much wind and solar energy capacity as all other countries combined. As the world's second-largest economy and the largest emitter of greenhouse gases contributing to climate change, China has pledged to reach its peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2060. The country has recently experienced multiple bouts of extreme weather, which scientists attribute to the intensifying effects of climate change. Currently, China has 339 gigawatts (GW) of energy capacity in development, comprising 159 GW of wind and 180 GW of solar, according to a study by Global Energy Monitor, a US-based NGO. This capacity is nearly double that of the rest of the world combined, significantly outpacing the United States, which is building only 40 GW. The study highlights that China has initiated construction on a third of its announced new wind and solar capacity, far exceeding the global average of seven percent, underscoring its proactive commitment to renewable energy projects. Despite this, the national grid still relies on coal-fired plants to manage peak power demands and faces challenges in transporting renewable energy from the northwest to the populous eastern regions. However, the report predicts that China's combined wind and solar capacity will surpass coal this year, raising expectations for an earlier-than-anticipated peak in carbon emissions. In another report, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) noted that China did not issue new permits for coal-based steelmaking projects in the first half of 2024, marking a potential turning point since the announcement of its dual carbon goals in September 2020. CREA suggests that as China's steel demand peaks and more scrap becomes available, there is significant potential to shift away from coal-based production, offering a substantial opportunity for emissions reduction over the next decade. Scientists warn that global warming exacerbates the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This summer, China has faced scorching temperatures in the north and heavy rainfall in the south, with the weather agency predicting continued high temperatures influenced by climate change. Additionally, recent heavy rains have led to fatal floods and landslides in the eastern and southern regions.