China has announced its first target to cut emissions in real terms. What does it mean for Australia?

Anything China does on energy and climate change is very big news. Its plans ripple around the world, whether that’s in changing the demand for fossil fuels or affecting the impacts on the planet from global heating.

On Thursday, Australia woke to the news that China’s president, Xi Jinping, had told the United Nations that for the first time his country was setting a target to cut – in absolute terms – its greenhouse gas emissions.

In a video address, Xi said China’s emissions would fall by 7% to 10% from their peak. When that peak happens he didn’t say, but some analysts think it may have already passed. China’s plans to cut emissions too weak to stave off global catastrophe, say experts Read more

Anthony Albanese had a lukewarm response to Xi’s announcement, saying it was “go