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Beijing is making big pledges but faces serious implementation challenges

Its cities are cloaked in smog, the water is polluted and the economy is hugely reliant on coal, the dirtiest form of energy. But now, China is trying to change its reputation as the world’s worst polluter.

A recent study conducted by the London School of Economics says that, if all goes as planned, China may start reducing its C02 emissions by 2025—five years sooner than the year pledged by President Xi Jinping.

Climate change reformers say that, in order to reduce such emissions, coal is the first thing that has to go. Many Western countries are struggling to meet this goal. Five G7 nations have actually increased their coal use in the past five years, while countries like Australia hope to continue building their economy off of the fossil fuel. ...