China releases national climate action plan for 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026‑2030) with specific emission reduction targets
The climate crisis is a challenge that knows no borders, and responding to it requires not only global agreements but also concrete national action. China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is reaffirming its commitments by adopting a systemic five‑year plan that, for the first time, covers the full spectrum of measures — from cutting carbon dioxide to reducing other potent greenhouse gases. This is not just a document but a road map where every figure and target reflects a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility.
The plan, jointly released on Wednesday by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and 17 other government agencies, marks the first time a five‑year plan has systematically established a comprehensive system of targets for addressing climate change. It stipulates that during the 15th Five‑Year Plan period, new and significant progress will be made in climate response and in efforts to peak carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, on the condition that the Nationally Determined Contribution is fully met by 2030. By 2030, carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP should be reduced by 17 percent from 2025 levels, and carbon dioxide emissions per unit of output in sectors covered by the national carbon market should fall by about 3 percent from 2025 levels.
"This time, based on the government's emission reduction target announced last year for 2035, we have additionally included non‑carbon dioxide goals in the plan. For the first time, we proposed that the reduction potential for non‑carbon dioxide emissions during the 15th Five‑Year Plan period should reach 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This shows that China's climate response and carbon reduction efforts are advancing towards comprehensive greenhouse gas emission reductions," said Chai Qimin, director of the strategic planning department at the National Centre for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation.
The plan addresses the climate crisis through eight key steps. The culmination of these efforts is a sharp reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the most affected sectors and limits on emissions of other potent greenhouse gases. To enhance accountability, the strategy will strengthen the national carbon market and establish a robust carbon footprint tracking system. These domestic measures are combined with enhanced protection against climate risks and stepped‑up adaptation on the ground. The overall framework improves climate governance efficiency while strengthening China's global role in combating global warming.
China has already announced its goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The new five‑year plan specifies intermediate steps, including reducing non‑CO2 gases such as methane and nitrous oxide, which is an important addition to the carbon agenda. The development of the national carbon market and carbon footprint tracking system is also expected to enable more effective pricing and emissions management. As CCTV+ reports. Implementation of the plan is expected not only to help China meet its international commitments but also to create new opportunities for green technologies and investment in the country.
