Motives: pollution, profit and energy security

In the month of April, China installed more solar power than Australia ever has. 

China is also now home to half of the world’s wind power and half of the world’s electric cars.

Despite this, China remains the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases.

So, is it a climate hero or villain and how has the Chinese Communist Party managed to roll out green energy tech so quickly?

Today, climate reporter Jo Lauder on why China is becoming the world’s first ‘electrostate’. 

First published 18 August, 2025

Featured: 

Jo Lauder, ABC climate reporter