New measures to advance dual-carbon goals

China has set dual carbon goals of peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. The new measures are designed to guide governments at all levels in adopting a sound approach to performance assessment, while ensuring accountability for meeting carbon reduction targets.

The measures seek to ensure effective alignment of goals and responsibilities among the central and local governments, across different regions and among various government departments.

According to the measures, a carbon peaking action plan will be formulated during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period to achieve national targets by 2030, including reducing carbon emissions intensity by more than 65 percent from 2005 levels, increasing the share of non-fossil energy consumption to 25 percent and peaking both coal and oil consumption.

The measures' primary purpose is to promote higher-quality work in advancing the country's carbon peaking and carbon neutrality agenda.

For regions making solid progress, the focus will be on identifying successful practices and sharing valuable experiences. For those lagging behind, the priority will be to take timely corrective actions and address existing problems.

China's provinces differ significantly in terms of resource endowments, industrial structures and stages of development. Therefore, the measures place emphasis on ensuring fairness in the assessment criteria.

Local governments are required to draft their own carbon peaking action plans during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, setting five-year and annual targets as well as policy measures that align with national objectives.

Also, during the evaluation and assessment process, factors such as changes in domestic and international conditions, as well as natural and climatic circumstances, are taken into account. The assessment criteria can be adjusted and refined dynamically when necessary, maintaining a degree of policy flexibility.

For provinces that rely heavily on carbon-intensive industries and face significant transition pressures, balancing emissions reductions with economic growth remains a key challenge. A three-pronged approach can be useful here.

First, it is essential to strengthen the commitment to comprehensive green transformation. Achieving the carbon peaking and neutrality goals is not about restricting development. Rather, it is aligned with and supportive of high-quality development, delivering benefits in both the near and long term.

Second, greater emphasis should be placed on improving "carbon productivity". Reducing carbon intensity should serve as a key benchmark when planning new projects and upgrading existing ones, ensuring that every unit of carbon emissions generates the greatest possible economic value.

Third, stronger awareness of process management is needed. Achieving carbon peaking and neutrality goals cannot be left until the last minute or rely on external support. Efforts must begin now, starting with a clear understanding of current emissions profiles, identifying untapped potential for reductions and building broad-based momentum for low-carbon transformation across all sectors and industries.