China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment released the 15th five-year plan dedicated to climate change in late July, developed in coordination with 18 government departments. The plan covers the 2026-2030 period and addresses carbon dioxide emissions, non-CO2 greenhouse gases, carbon markets, climate adaptation, and international climate cooperation. Officials describe it as the primary policy instrument for advancing China’s climate action through 2030 and note it represents the first time a comprehensive target system covering all climate policy areas has been established at the five-year plan level.
The new plan largely reaffirms existing commitments rather than introducing major new targets. It reinforces China’s pledges to peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, while supporting the country’s 2035 commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 7-10% below peak levels. Analysts note the plan signals a transition to an “unprecedented strategic level” of climate governance, with strengthened implementation mechanisms and capacity-building efforts across government systems.
A notable focus area involves non-CO2 greenhouse gases, with the plan reaffirming a target to achieve 30 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions reduction capacity by 2030. This encompasses coal-mine methane utilization, industrial nitrous oxide reduction, hydrofluorocarbon management, and sulfur hexafluoride control in power equipment. Experts assess these targets as achievable through existing and planned projects, with methane initiatives alone potentially delivering substantial portions of the reduction goal.
International cooperation represents another key emphasis. The plan aims to increase China’s influence in global climate governance and positions the country as an active participant in shaping international climate policy frameworks. China intends to expand its carbon market’s global influence through standard-setting cooperation, particularly under the Paris Agreement’s Article 6 framework for carbon trading. These initiatives reflect China’s growing role in global climate diplomacy and carbon market development.
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