What is a consequence of China's rapid economic growth?

What is a consequence of China's rapid economic growth?

• A. Decrease in fossil fuel use.
• B. China becomes a major emitter of carbon dioxide.
• C. Reduction in manufacturing.
• D. Renewable energy dominates the grid.

Answer: (B)

Rapid economic growth drives a sharp rise in energy use to power factories, transportation, and cities. In China’s case, much of that energy has come from burning coal and other fossil fuels. This leads to large amounts of carbon dioxide being released, making China a major emitter of CO2 as its economy expands. The other options don’t fit because energy demand and manufacturing generally increase with growth, not decrease; while investments in renewables are growing, fossil fuels still provide a large share of energy, so renewable energy not yet dominating the grid.

Rapid economic growth drives a sharp rise in energy use to power factories, transportation, and cities. In China’s case, much of that energy has come from burning coal and other fossil fuels. This leads to large amounts of carbon dioxide being released, making China a major emitter of CO2 as its economy expands.

The other options don’t fit because energy demand and manufacturing generally increase with growth, not decrease; while investments in renewables are growing, fossil fuels still provide a large share of energy, so renewable energy not yet dominating the grid.