Every year, the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century — mercifully abbreviated as REN21 — puts out a massive Global Status Report on renewable energy. Note 1. It is an energy nerd’s dream, packed with the latest data on clean energy around the world.

When such reports are released, we here at Vox are legally obligated to do a charts post, lest we be fined by the Explainer Authorities. So let’s get to it.

One of the more interesting themes this year is just how clearly China is pushing the developing world into the lead on renewables. Let’s tell the story in graphs.

1) Solar is booming…

2) …driven by dizzying growth in China, which has leaped to first place

3) Wind is also booming, though at a slower rate…

4) …with China extending its already formidable lead

5) While renewable energy investment declines in the European Union and plateaus elsewhere, it rises in China…

6) …pushing the developing world into the lead for the first time

Note 1. Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), Renewables 2016 Global Status Report  www.ren21.net/status-of-renewables/global-status-report/

Originally published in vox (8 June 2016) at   www.vox.com/2016/6/8/11879166/china-renewable-energy-6-graphs

 David Roberts writes, particularly well, about energy and climate change.