China says it has already hit 2020 carbon reduction goal

China says it has already achieved its 2020 carbon emissions reduction goal. 

The country’s ecology and environment ministry said Wednesday that its carbon dioxide emissions per gross domestic product unit fell 4 percent from the previous year, according to The Associated Press. Its emissions are now 45.8 percent less than they were in 2005. 

Vice Minister Zhao Yingmin told reporters that this means the country is ahead of schedule, according to the AP. He added that 14.3 percent of China’s energy comes from sources other than fossil fuels. 

“These are hard-won results from the efforts of promoting a green and low carbon economy,” Zhao said.

The AP reported that China’s annual carbon emissions tripled between 2000 and 2018, while its economy quickly expanded. In 2005, it passed the U.S. to become the world’s largest emitter and has remained so ever since. 

Under the Paris climate agreement, which the Trump administration has said it would exit but China remains party to, the Asian county has said its carbon intensity will eventually shrink to between 60 percent and 65 percent below the 2005 level. 

“We will full commit ourselves to our promises on climate change and continue to push forward the transition of our economy toward low-carbon and high-quality,” Zhao said.