China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment released the 15th five-year plan dedicated to climate change response, unveiled in late July alongside 18 other government departments. The plan covers the 2026-2030 period and addresses multiple policy areas including carbon dioxide emissions, non-CO2 greenhouse gases, carbon markets, climate adaptation, and international climate cooperation. Officials characterize it as the primary policy instrument for advancing China’s climate action during this timeframe, representing an unprecedented level of strategic integration in China’s climate governance structure.
The plan does not introduce major new targets but instead consolidates and reaffirms commitments China has already made, including its pledge to peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. In 2030, China aims to reduce carbon intensity by more than 65% from 2005 levels. Last year, President Xi Jinping announced an additional 2035 pledge to cut China’s greenhouse gas emissions to 7-10% below peak levels by that year. The new five-year plan supports these previously announced Paris Agreement commitments while strengthening China’s climate governance systems and implementation mechanisms.
A significant focus area involves non-CO2 greenhouse gases, with the plan reaffirming a target to achieve emissions reduction capacity of 30 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030. This includes initiatives centered on coal-mine methane utilization, industrial nitrous oxide reduction, hydrofluorocarbon management, and sulphur hexafluoride recovery in power equipment. According to analysis, non-CO2 gases represented approximately 19% of China’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2021.
The plan also emphasizes expanding China’s role in global climate governance and carbon markets. It calls for China to increase its influence and leadership in international climate action and to expand the global influence of its domestic carbon market through international cooperation on standards and rule-setting. Observers note the plan marks a rhetorical shift toward China positioning itself as an active leader in shaping global climate policy, rather than primarily following international frameworks.
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