The Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China has recently unveiled the "2024 Annual Report on China's Policies and Actions for Climate Change," which details the new strides and accomplishments in the fight against climate change since 2023.
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China has recently unveiled the "2024 Annual Report on China's Policies and Actions for Climate Change," which details the new strides and accomplishments in the fight against climate change since 2023.
The report lays out China's fundamental stances and proposals for COP29. This year commemorates the 30th anniversary of the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Xia Yingxian, the Director of the Department of Climate Change at the Ministry, emphasized that China, being one of the earliest signatories to both the UN Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement, places great emphasis on addressing climate change.
China has rolled out a series of measures to effectively boost national contributions. "We have persistently decreased carbon intensity. By 2023, non-fossil energy consumption constituted 17.9% of the total energy consumption, while coal consumption declined from 67.4% in 2013 to 55.3%. The forest stock reached 19.493 billion cubic meters, an increment of 6.5 billion cubic meters since 2005." As of July 2024, the installed capacity of wind and solar power reached 1.206 billion kilowatts, which is 2.25 times that at the end of 2020, accomplishing the target six years in advance.
"Currently, we are formulating a new round of national contribution targets based on domestic circumstances within the framework of sustainable development in accordance with the Paris Agreement and last year's 'UAE Consensus', with the intention to notify the UNFCCC of our goals for 2035 by 2025," said Xia Yingxian.
The national carbon emissions trading market is vital for attaining the dual carbon goals and fulfilling national contributions towards climate change objectives. Launched in July 2021, it has witnessed nearly five billion tons of transactions with a turnover reaching 29.7 billion yuan. The prices are steadily increasing amid generally stable market operations. "We will keep enhancing data quality while cracking down on fraudulent activities."
The voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction trading market has been in operation for almost a year. Initially, four methodologies were published, covering aspects such as afforestation carbon sinks. "By October 2024, 44 projects had been announced which could potentially generate over 11 million tons annually based on current projections," added Xia Yingxian.
In May this year, the ministry issued an implementation plan to establish a carbon footprint management system along with standards guiding product-specific calculations.
Furthermore, the report spotlights China's active engagement in global climate change governance via South-South cooperation, aiming to assist developing countries confronting these challenges. "To date, we have signed 53 memorandums with 42 nations, focusing on initiatives like low-carbon demonstration zones," stated Xia Yingxian.
"China will intensify South-South cooperation, capitalizing on its strengths in photovoltaics, electric vehicles, and early warning systems through material assistance, technical support, exchange seminars, and joint research projects."
Climate finance remains a core topic in international discussions on climate action. Parties strive to finalize post-2025 funding arrangements during COP29.
Xia expressed China's position: Firstly, we must strictly adhere to the principles enshrined in the Paris Agreement without reopening negotiations on existing terms. Moreover, developed nations should honor their financial commitments made prior to 2050. Lastly, funding sources should mainly stem from public funds provided by developed countries, signifying stability in multilateral financing efforts.
The annual report clarifies China's stance as it heads into COP29: seeking enhanced cooperation across all fronts to address climate change challenges, ensuring the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and fostering a fair, equitable, and cooperative global climate governance framework.