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China is now the world's 'biggest polluter', according to a report to be published next month.
Researchers at the University of California suggest emissions from the world's most populous nation have been underestimated and probably surpassed America's in 2006-2007.
They warn that without a rapid slowing off of China's future growth, emissions cuts made by rich nations under the Kyoto protocol, will prove futile.
While the team acknowledge their analysis was based on 2004 data and based on provincial-level data from the Chinese Environmental Protection Agency, scientists say that current computer models 'substantially underestimate' future emissions growth in China.
Team leader Dr Max Auffhammer told BBC News the figures for emissions growth were 'truly shocking'.
America's emissions are continuing to grow but much more slowly compared to China's, the scientists said.
The US remains the highest per capita polluter.
The report will be published in the Journal of Environment Economics and Management.
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