China now produces the most greenhouse gasses in the world, with its coal-power plants alone contributing 12% of global emissions. And while news media seems to be dominated by stories of fossil fuel expansion, huge changes are already underway within the country.
On transport, for example, China already has by far the world’s largest high-speed rail network (with a fabulously smooth ride compared to its European peers), and is the world’s largest market for electric vehicles, with state policy aggressively geared to the industry’s growth. Massive sums are being invested in electric charging networks, and car companies in the country have long abandoned research spending on the internal combustion engine. Of course, this is not just about clean air; not having to import oil through the Straits of Malacca will remove a major geopolitical anxiety — not to mention the current account benefits.
