China published a national climate plan on July 29, 2026, targeting a 17% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 2030 compared to 2025 levels. The plan was issued by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Development and Reform Commission, and covers the 15th Five-Year Plan period from 2026 to 2030. Key goals include raising non-fossil energy to 25% of total consumption, cutting non-CO2 greenhouse gases by 30 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, building a transparent voluntary carbon trading market aligned with international standards, and creating a product carbon footprint management system. The plan also calls for stronger climate risk assessments and faster development of a new energy system, with an aim to peak coal and oil consumption. These targets support China's broader commitments to peak CO2 emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality before 2060. The plan emphasizes a dual-control system for total emissions and carbon intensity, which could have significant implications for carbon markets and renewable energy investment globally.
