China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases responsible for rising temperatures. And yet, the country is preparing to double its electricity production capacity.
Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, fear this could complicate Beijing's commitments to reduce its emissions from fossil fuels. In the first quarter, China's provincial authorities approved the construction of coal-fired power plants with capacities of at least 20.45 gigawatts. This represents twice as much electricity production, compared to the same period last year, Greenpeace said.