China presents report on combating climate change

Photo by: Robert Way / iStock

A progress report on the implementation of nationally determined contribution (NDC) targets on climate change was recently submitted to the UN by China. The Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced it.

The report, titled “Progress in Implementing the Nationally Determined Contribution-2022”, includes the progress the country has been able to make since the renewal of its START targets in 2020. At the time, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that the country would reduce CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by at least 65% of 2005 levels, increase non-fossil fuel consumption, expand forested areas, and use solar and wind power. The PRC plans to be carbon neutral by 2060.

The new document reflects China’s achievements in areas such as clean and low-carbon energy, decarbonisation in ecosystems, carbon market development and climate change adaptation. The government has included all key areas in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions: industry, construction, transport and agriculture.

Above all, the country’s low-carbon development includes the introduction of an increasing number of renewable energy sources. According to the report, renewables in China generate 794 GW of energy per year, most of which comes from hydropower and slightly less from solar and wind. Investment in clean energy projects is only growing each year.

The country also monitors the greening of major industrial plants. More than 23 000 enterprises with high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions have been inspected and advised on energy efficiency and decarbonisation.

The authorities have not ignored green building, introducing relevant requirements and standards. Since the end of 2019, more than 20,000 properties have been assessed as “green”, with more than 5 billion square metres.

The green standard system also applies to transport. More than 400,000 electric buses now travel around the country, and in some areas electric taxis run exclusively.

Another important climate change adaptation measure is increasing the forest area’s capacity to absorb CO2 emissions. It is not just a question of reforestation, but also of fire prevention and forest management pilot projects. For example, integrated measures have increased the area of natural forests to 140 million hectares in 2020.

In addition, China officially launched its national carbon trading market in July 2021, becoming the largest in the world. Even at the initial stage, it was able to cover 4.5 billion tonnes of carbon emissions, with 2,162 companies registered in the bidding system.

Recall that Russia said at the COP27 climate summit that it does not renege on its climate promises despite the sanctions.

Cover photo: Press service of the Russian Presidential Administration