China’s Annual Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing from December 16th-18th. The conference set out key tasks for the next year. Preparing the work for the planned carbon peak but also carbon neutrality are among these tasks. The conference pointed out that China is striving to reach a carbon dioxide emissions peak before 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. The urgent development of an action plan to reach these two goals has been underlined. Furthermore, it was stressed, that the adjustment and optimization of industrial structure, energy structure, promotion of the early peak of coal consumption, the vigorous development of new energy, construction of the national energy rights, carbon emissions trading market, and improvement of the dual control of energy consumption should be accelerated.
China establishes assessment system for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets
Jointly issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, this policy “Measures on Comprehensive Evaluation and Assessment for Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality”, establishes a formal assessment system for evaluating how provincial-level Party committees and governments implement China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality objectives.
The assessment work is coordinated centrally and implemented by the National Development and Reform Commission together with relevant departments. It applies to provincial-level Party committees and governments, including provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities.