China’s new AI carbon model lowers its 2022 emissions by 17.7%

The Shanghai Advanced Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has developed an AI model that calculates China’s 2022 greenhouse gas emissions as 17.7% lower than a widely used United Nations equivalent, while raising the US total by 15.2%. The system factors in both production and consumption, lessening the responsibility of exporters such as China.

The Shanghai Advanced Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) developed the ScienceOne-Yuheng Carbon Accounting Large Model, which recalculates 2022 greenhouse gas emissions. It shows China’s figure 17.7% lower than a widely used United Nations equivalent, while raising the United States total by 15.2%.

CAS stated on April 8: “Panoramic carbon accounting is set to become a core driver for advancing global climate governance towards greater precision and consensus.” The model would contribute to “a more equitable and scientifically grounded global carbon accounting and responsibility-sharing framework,” CAS added.

Wei Wei, vice-president of the institute and lead scientist on the team, said the model “represents a paradigm shift in how we understand and manage global carbon emissions.”

By factoring in both production and consumption emissions, the approach aims to provide a fuller assessment of carbon responsibility for exporters like China.

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