China is currently the world{\textquoteright}s largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2). China therefore has a key role in global climate change mitigation. Policies and commitments are required to enable decarbonization. In this Perspective, we summarize the key features of China{\textquoteright}s CO2\ emissions, its reduction processes and successes in meeting climate targets. China{\textquoteright}s CO2\ emissions reductions have been substantial: by 2020, carbon intensity decreased by 48.4\% compared to 2005 levels, achieving objectives outlined in the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions and Nationally Determined Contributions. These reductions rely on the achievements of sectoral and sub-national targets outlined by China{\textquoteright}s Five-Year Plans. However, China still faces the challenges of reaching its peak total CO2\ emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. Key steps towards China{\textquoteright}s carbon neutrality include increasing its non-fossil energy share, deploying negative-emission technologies at large scale, promoting regional low-carbon development and establishing a nationwide {\textquoteleft}green market{\textquoteright}. To achieve these steps, top-down socio-economic development plans must coincide with bottom-up economic incentives and technology development.
}, year = {2021}, booktitle = {Nature Reviews Earth \& Environment}, journal = {Nature Reviews Earth \& Environment}, series = {Nature Reviews Earth \& Environment}, volume = {3}, pages = {141-155}, month = {12/2021}, url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-021-00244-x}, note = {An open-access version of this article published in\ Nature Reviews Earth \& Environment can be downloaded here.\
}, language = {eng}, }