China’s latest emissions reporting has come under scrutiny after climate researchers found that revised carbon accounting metrics may have reduced the country’s reported emissions growth by half between 2020 and 2025, raising concerns over the transparency of its climate progress.

According to analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), China’s updated carbon intensity calculations now imply emissions increased by 7% over the five-year period, compared with the 14% growth indicated by previous reporting methods. The revision represents a reduction of approximately 700 million metric tons of CO₂ annually—roughly equivalent to the yearly emissions of Germany or South Korea.

Researchers say the shift appears linked to changes in methodology, including excluding certain non-energy uses of fossil fuels—such as chemical production—while incorporating industrial process emissions. These adjustments have raised questions around how emissions are being measured and compared over time.

The findings carry significant implications for China’s climate commitments. The country has pledged to cut carbon intensity by 65% from 2005 levels by 2030, and the revised methodology could make that target easier to achieve even if absolute emissions continue to rise.

While Chinese authorities have not publicly detailed the methodology changes, analysts warn that evolving definitions without clear disclosure may complicate global emissions tracking, investor confidence, and climate accountability.

The development underscores the growing importance of consistent carbon accounting standards as governments, businesses, and investors increasingly rely on emissions data to assess transition progress and climate-related risk.