China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, working alongside 18 government departments, released the 15th five-year plan dedicated to climate action in late July. The plan covers the 2026-2030 period and represents a consolidation of existing climate and energy policies rather than introducing major new targets. It encompasses multiple policy areas including carbon dioxide emissions, non-CO2 greenhouse gases, carbon markets, carbon footprints, climate adaptation, and international cooperation.
The plan reaffirms China’s previously announced climate commitments, including its pledge to peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. It also supports China’s 2030 target to reduce carbon intensity by more than 65% from 2005 levels. Additionally, the plan aligns with President Xi Jinping’s 2035 pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 7-10% below peak levels by that year.
A significant element of the plan addresses non-CO2 greenhouse gases, particularly methane and hydrofluorocarbons. It reaffirms a target of reducing emissions from these sources by 30 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030. Analysts note this goal is achievable through expanded coal-mine methane utilization projects and industrial emissions reduction measures. The plan also highlights control of sulphur hexafluoride in power equipment, marking the first time this potent greenhouse gas has received substantial policy attention in China’s planning framework.
International cooperation represents another focal point. The plan calls for China to increase its influence in global climate governance and expand the international reach of its carbon market through rule-setting, standard-setting cooperation, and hosting the China Carbon Market Conference. Policy observers characterize the plan as marking a significant shift in China’s positioning on the global climate stage, elevating climate governance to an unprecedented strategic level within the country’s policy hierarchy.
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