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Could China take over as the world's climate leader?

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Anne-Sophie Brändlin
November 20, 2025

China is the world's biggest polluter, but also the world's biggest investor in clean energy. As the United States pulls back from global climate commitments, many are asking if China could fill the leadership gap.

China, the world's top polluter, is paradoxically driving the clean-energy revolution. It produces nearly 40% of global solar power and dominates the supply chain, making over 85% of solar panels. With $600 billion invested last year, clean tech fueled a quarter of its GDP growth and lowered global costs, aiding emerging economies. But heavy reliance on China poses geopolitical risks, as its scale gives it unmatched leverage over the planet's energy future.

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