Potential Secure, Low Carbon Growth Pathways for the Chinese Economy

January 14, 2011

The CSIS Energy and National Security Program commissioned this paper as part of its ongoing work focused on the implications of secure, low carbon pathways.   The following paper, prepared by Jiang Kejun of the Energy Research institute, part of the National Development and Reform Commission, outlines the possible pathways that China could follow to reach its energy and climate goals while ensuring continued economic development.  China remains a key player in any discussion of climate change as it is now the largest emitter of annual energy-related greenhouse gases, and the largest consumer of energy, surpassing the United States in recent years.