ClimateJuly 14, 2026

rationalisation

/ˌraʃənəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

Definition

The process of reorganizing an industrial sector to make it more efficient, often by eliminating redundant, small-scale, or less productive capacity.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'rationalis' (reasoned/logical) combined with the suffix '-isation.' It evolved in the 20th century to describe the systematic reorganization of economic or industrial activities to achieve maximum efficiency.

In the news

In this article, the word refers to China's deliberate restructuring of its heavy industries to cut emissions by phasing out inefficient facilities. This is a central component of the government's strategy to meet long-term carbon reduction targets.

China’s Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction Roadmap Explained

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