The People’s Republic of China remains the world’s largest contributor to environmental degradation, responsible for overfishing oceans, emitting harmful pollutants like mercury and nitrous oxide, and dumping plastic waste into marine ecosystems. Despite these challenges, China has made strides in addressing some of these issues. However, as the globe’s foremost manufacturing hub, it inevitably leads as the top polluter. China’s most significant environmental impact stems from its greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to its heavy reliance on coal, which results in annual carbon emissions surpassing those of the United States and Europe combined. Even when accounting for offshored emissions, China’s carbon footprint remains alarmingly high, contributing to a rising share of global emissions. Decarbonization is imperative to combat climate change, with two primary pathways: economic degrowth and green energy adoption. While degrowth is not a viable option for China or other developing nations, the transition to green energy presents a feasible solution. The key to this transition lies in making renewable energy technologies, such as solar power and batteries, economically viable. Historically, cost reductions in these technologies were driven by research and development, but recent years have seen economies of scale play a dominant role. China has emerged as a global leader in scaling green technologies, heavily subsidizing solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. This strategic focus has not only helped plateau China’s emissions but also facilitated the export of green technologies to developing countries, enabling them to grow economically without exacerbating carbon emissions. While the United States has faltered in its climate commitments, China’s industrial policy and manufacturing prowess have positioned it as a pivotal player in the global fight against climate change. Despite criticisms of its governance, China’s efforts in making green energy affordable and accessible deserve recognition, offering a glimmer of hope in the battle against environmental degradation.