Briefings
China Announces Progress in Methane Monitoring and Evaluation In Preparation for the Release of Its National Action Plan on Methane
January 17, 2023
During its January 2023 press conference, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) highlighted progress on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas monitoring and evaluation pilot projects aimed at answering critical questions on “what to measure,” “where to measure,” and “how to measure.” read more
China announces actions to promote the development and utilization of coalbed methane
August 5, 2022
The China National Energy Administration (NEA) has highlighted a number of actions that China will take to promote the development and utilization of coalbed methane. The actions were described in a document posted on the NEA website, available here. These actions are expected to be further incorporated into and implemented through national policies and plans. read more
China’s new Urban and Rural Development Carbon-Peaking Plan contributes to energy-efficiency improvements and measures to curb emissions of non-CO2 greenhouse gases
June 30, 2022
China Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and National Development and Reform Commission jointly released the Implementation Plan for Carbon Peaking in Urban and Rural Development (hereinafter referred to as “the Plan”). The Plan guides China’s measures to peak carbon emissions before 2030, including actions to reduce the emissions of non-CO2 greenhouse gases, including methane. read more
China Unveils Policy Guidance Aimed at Improving the Environmental and Climate Performance of Belt and Road Initiative Projects and Products
March 16, 2022
China’s National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and Ministry of Commerce jointly released the Opinions on Promoting the Green Development of the “Belt and Road Initiative”. The Opinions are the latest in a number of China policy developments aimed at curbing the environmental and climate-forcing impacts of Chinese overseas projects and exports. read more
China’s Plan on Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction Guides Action to Address non-CO2 Climate Pollutants
January 24, 2022
China’s State Council issued the 14th Five-Year Comprehensive Work Plan on Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction. The Energy Work Plan reflects key actions to implement the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035, adopted on 11 March 2021. This Work Plan will serve as a primary nationwide guide for China’s actions to address non-CO2 climate pollutants and achieve the green transformation of its economy. read more
China Moves a Step Closer to Addressing Climate and Environmental Impacts of Overseas Projects and Exported Products
January 5, 2022
China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment and Ministry of Commerce jointly released the Guidelines on Ecological and Environmental Protection of Foreign Investment and Construction Projects. The 2022 Guidelines recommend environmental protection practices for China’s overseas investment and construction projects. In particular, the Guidelines aim to reduce pollution, mitigate climate change, and protect biodiversity in China’s overseas investment countries and markets, including those in Belt and Road Initiative countries. read more
China Issues Policy to Control New Production Capacity for Selected HFCs
December 28, 2021
On 28 December 2021, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, National Development and Reform Commission, and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology jointly released a new policy document entitled the Circular on Strictly Controlling the First Batch of HFC Production Construction Projects. According to the Circular, as of 1 January 2022, it is prohibited to construct or expand the production facilities for five categories of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including HFC-32, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-143a and HFC-245fa, for controlled usages such as refrigerants and blowing agents. read more
China’s Zero-Waste Cities Plan to Mitigate Methane and Other Waste-Sector Emissions During the 14th Five-Year Period
December 16, 2021
On 15 December 2021, the China Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) issued the 14th Five-Year Work Plan on the Construction of Zero-Waste Cities, together with another 17 national ministries and agencies. The Work Plan identifies the sectors, timeline, and process for building 100 zero-waste cities by 2025. read more
China Announces Next Steps on Methane Emissions Control During the 14th Five-Year Period
November 25, 2021
China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced next steps for methane emissions control during the 14th Five-Year period (2021-2025), at its monthly press conference in November 2021. These steps are intended to support China’s targets for achieving net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2060 and implement the U.S.-China Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s. read more
China’s Industry Green Development Plan Incorporates Actions to Address Non-CO2 Climate Pollutants
November 16, 2021
On 15 November 2021, the China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued the 14th Five-Year Plan on Industry Green Development (“Plan”). The Plan provides key targets, action items, and mechanisms for the green transformation of China’s industrial sectors. These sectors will play a significant role in achieving China’s goals of peaking carbon emissions […] read more