China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, along with 18 other government departments, released the 15th five-year plan dedicated to climate response in late July. The plan covers the 2026-2030 period and represents the first time China has created a comprehensive target system at the five-year plan level specifically addressing climate change. Officials describe it as the primary policy instrument for advancing climate action during this period, marking an unprecedented strategic level in China’s climate governance structure.
The plan does not introduce major new emissions targets but instead consolidates and reaffirms existing policies and commitments. These include China’s pledges to peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, along with targets outlined in previous plans for developing a new-type energy system and expanding renewable energy. Analysts note that the plan strengthens China’s climate-governance system, implementation mechanisms, and underlying capacity, representing a new phase in the country’s climate policy evolution.
A significant focus of the plan addresses non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases for the first time at this policy level. The document reaffirms a target to reduce emissions from these gases by 30 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030, achievable through expanded coal-mine methane utilization projects, industrial nitrous oxide controls, and hydrofluorocarbon phase-down measures. The plan also calls for recovery and replacement of sulphur hexafluoride in power equipment, an area that analysts view as receiving important policy attention for the first time.
International cooperation and global climate leadership constitute another central pillar of the plan. China aims to markedly increase its influence and leadership role in global climate governance by 2030 and seeks to build a new narrative on climate governance. The plan specifically emphasizes expanding the global influence of China’s carbon market through international rule-setting, standards cooperation, and convening the China Carbon Market Conference, reflecting China’s growing role in international carbon pricing initiatives.
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