Who Pollutes More: China Or India?

China, India, the United States, and the European Union are the top global climate polluters, responsible for 83% of emissions in 2022. China was the highest emitter, with 32% of the global total, followed by the United States at 14%, and India at 8%. While China and India have polluting factories, they produce goods that are consumed by countries like the US and the UK, so a global solution to the climate crisis is needed. China and India are heavily reliant on coal power, but grassroots environmental movements in these countries are gaining traction, and people are doing tremendous work to mitigate the climate crisis.

China and India's carbon emissions are the highest globally

China and India are among the countries with the highest carbon emissions globally. China has the largest CO2 emissions in the world, with coal mines in the country being responsible for a large proportion of the increase in methane emissions between 2021 and 2022. China's emissions are twice as high as the US, the country with the largest cumulative CO2 emissions to date. China's emissions increased by 784 MtCO2eq between 2022 and 2023, the largest absolute increase during that period.

India has also been increasing its emissions, with a 6.1% increase in CO2 emissions between 2022 and 2023, the largest increase in relative terms. India is in seventh place in the rankings of cumulative emissions, with 3.4% of the total.

However, it is important to note that these emissions are driven in part by the production of goods that are consumed in other countries, such as the UK and the US. When measuring per-capita emissions, a person from India contributes far less than the average US or EU citizen. Additionally, the richest 10% of people globally are responsible for 50% of climate-wrecking pollution, and the average carbon footprint of the richest 1% is up to 175 times that of someone in the poorest 10%.

Despite the risks they face, people in China and India are doing significant work to address the climate crisis. For example, Disha Ravi, a young activist, founded the Indian branch of the global youth climate movement, Fridays for Future network, and was arrested in 2021 for protesting against new agricultural laws that farmers say will leave them at the mercy of big corporations.

The climate crisis is affecting the health of India's children

India, China, the United States, the EU, Russia, and Brazil were the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters in 2023. While China has emitted more CO2 than any other country since 2006, India had the largest increase in emissions in relative terms in 2023. People in India and China are doing tremendous work to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis. However, the climate crisis is affecting the health of India's children.

India ranks 26th out of 163 countries on the Children's Climate Risk Index, indicating the high vulnerability of its child population to climate shocks and stressors. An estimated 24 million children in India are impacted by climate-related emergencies every year. The increase in extreme and erratic weather events such as floods, cyclones, and droughts is severely impacting the lives of children and their families. As a result, children are forced to leave their homes and schools, which affects their health, family livelihoods, and access to healthcare.

Children in India are experiencing respiratory illnesses from air pollution, heat-related illnesses, malnutrition, vector- and water-borne diseases, and mental health problems due to weather disasters. Climate-induced migration is also affecting children's health, housing, and nutrition, as families are forced to migrate due to the loss of livelihoods, homes, and land caused by climate events. Children are at risk of family separation, being left unsupervised, missing school, and being put to work. Instances of child labor and child marriage have increased due to financial instability caused by climate disasters.

The climate crisis is undoing decades of progress in improving children's safety, health, well-being, nutrition, and education in India. Current climate actions rarely recognize children's unique needs and vulnerabilities. There is a need for centralized, hyperlocal data on children's vulnerability to climate change in India. Pediatricians in India should play a crucial role in addressing the health impacts of climate change on children and advocating for immediate greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

India's pollution is made worse by winter weather

India and China are among the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters, along with the United States, the EU27, Russia, and Brazil. China has been the largest emitter of CO2 since 2006, and India had the largest increase in emissions in relative terms between 2022 and 2023.

While India is taking steps to mitigate the climate crisis, its pollution levels are made significantly worse by winter weather. India's winter PM2.5 air pollution levels are, on average, 59% higher than during the summer. In some cities, winter pollution levels can be up to three times higher than in summer, and in Kolkata, they can reach 300% of summer levels.

There are several reasons for this seasonal variation in air quality. One factor is the Diwali festival, which takes place in October or November and involves setting off firecrackers, which create a huge spike in air pollution. Additionally, the way air mixes during the winter months contributes to higher pollution levels.

As a result of these factors, Indian winters are characterised by hazy skies and frequent pollution alerts. The pollution levels during this season can reach more than ten times the World Health Organization's annual limit, posing significant health risks to the population.

It is important to acknowledge the interconnectedness of the climate crisis and the responsibility of countries that import and consume goods produced in India and China. A global solution to the emergency is necessary, with all countries taking urgent and ambitious climate action.

China has vowed to reach net-zero emissions by 2060

China, India, the United States, the EU, Russia, and Brazil were the world's largest GHG emitters in 2023. China has been emitting more CO2 than any other country since 2006. However, it is worth noting that China also has the second-largest population. People in China and India are doing tremendous work to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis, despite the fact that the richest 10% of people globally are responsible for 50% of climate-wrecking pollution.

In September 2020, President Xi Jinping announced China's commitment to reach carbon neutrality before 2060 at the UN General Assembly. This was submitted as the Mid-Century Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy (LTS) to the UNFCCC in October 2021. While this target is not yet official law, it has become a core focus across national and subnational planning documents, government notices, and politburo convenings. China's net-zero target covers CO2 emissions, but not all greenhouse gases. The country has set a target of using non-fossil sources for one-fifth of its energy mix by 2025, pushing this figure to 25% by 2030 and over 80% by 2060.

Experts are skeptical about China's ability to reach net-zero emissions by 2060. According to findings at China Energy Outlook 2022, even if China implements all its proposed policies, half of its carbon emissions in transportation will likely remain, and there will still be two gigatons of carbon left by 2060. The industry sector, particularly chemicals, iron and steel, and cement, will be challenging to abate. However, China's steel industry is targeted to peak carbon emissions by 2030, with plants employing carbon capture technology and using hydrogen or biomass to fuel production.

China's commitment to carbon neutrality is a major step forward, giving fresh impetus to the UN's efforts to galvanize action on the climate crisis. Laurence Tubiana, the French diplomat who was key in crafting the Paris accord, called Xi Jinping's commitment "very welcome," stating that it should give us confidence as we work towards addressing climate change.

Grassroots environmental movements are gaining traction in China and India

China and India are among the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters. China has the largest CO2 emissions in the world, while India had the largest increase in emissions in relative terms in 2023. Both countries have seen the rise of grassroots environmental movements aiming to address their nations' environmental crises.

In China, around 3,000 grassroots environmental groups are currently active, with the country's first legal nonprofit group, founded in 1994, being the environmental organization Friends of Nature. Activists like Zhao Zhong are leading the fight to save the Yellow River, which has been polluted by industrial accidents at local factories. Other groups, such as Green Camel Bell, are working to track data on regional air and water pollution. Environmental concerns are one of the leading causes of protests in China, with citizens taking to the internet and the streets to express their anger over pollution and a lack of transparency on environmental issues. The Chinese government has implemented anti-pollution policies and has vowed to create an "ecological civilization," but it also maintains tight control over activist movements.

In India, environmental and public health have been ongoing struggles, with the country experiencing intensive resource exploitation and conflicts over conservation. Some notable environmental movements in India include the Chipko Movement, which began in 1974 and involved women hugging trees to protest against deforestation and demand local control over forest resources. Another example is the anti-dam movement, which seeks to protect valleys and ecosystems from the negative impacts of dam construction. India has also seen a national campaign against Coca-Cola and Pepsi Cola plants due to their practices of groundwater extraction and field contamination. Child activists like Licypriya Kangujam have emerged to speak out against air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Grassroots environmental movements in China and India face challenges, including government censorship and economic interests that prioritize growth over environmental protection. However, these movements are gaining traction as citizens become increasingly concerned about the state of their environment and their health. As countries with large populations and significant economic influence, the environmental trajectories of China and India will have global repercussions.

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