How China's carbon emissions fell for the first time since Covid-19 lockdowns

The world's second biggest economy has vowed to peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, but authorities have struggled to wean the country off its dependence on fossil fuels. Photo: AFP

China's CO2 emissions fell in the third quarter for the first time since the country reopened from Covid-19 lockdowns, research published recently showed, in what experts said could mark a carbon "turning point" for the country.

But the threat of economic slowdown could soon prompt authorities to turn to infrastructure stimulus measures, raising emissions again, the research by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) warned.