Project: Sino German Cooperation on Climate Change - NDC Implementation

On 4 December 2025, representatives of NGO’s, international organisations, philanthropies and academia gathered in Beijing to reflect on the outcomes of COP30 and progress in

To support local climate mitigation efforts in Inner Mongolia, the Sino-German Cooperation on Climate Change – NDC Implementation project has been working closely with the Department of Ecology and Environment of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Ecology and Environment Low-Carbon Development Center.

As the Sino-German Cooperation on Climate Change – NDC Implementation (NDCI) project enters its final phase, key stakeholders gathered in Beijing on 15 October to take stock of progress, reflect on achievements, and discuss lessons learned from the past years of collaboration. The event brought together political partners, local research institutes and international experts to recognise the outcomes and impact of one of the flagship projects of climate cooperation between China and Germany.

To deepen mutual understanding of current climate policy directions and identify opportunities for enhanced Sino-German cooperation, GIZ and the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC) convened a Climate Policy Expert Exchange. Held on 15 October 2025, the dialogue brought together GIZ, NCSC, international think tanks NewClimate Institute and Climate Analytics, and renowned Chinese climate policy experts. Discussions focused on emerging themes for future collaboration, including industry decarbonisation, non-CO₂ mitigation, and a just transition.

China is already significantly impacted by climate change as it experiences higher warming rates than the global average, and extreme climate events are getting more frequent and stronger. This climate sensitivity makes climate adaptation not just important, but essential. A critical component of any effective adaptation strategy is a strong monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system. M&E enables governments and institutions to systematically track climate risks, evaluate the effectiveness of adaptation measures, guide the allocation of resources, and revise policies based on new data and lessons learned. It ensures that climate adaptation is evidence-based, responsive, and targeted, strengthening the entire adaptation policy cycle from planning to implementation and review.

As methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases and a major driver of climate change, China and Germany are intensifying their cooperation to advance emission reductions in this critical sector. Methane plays a pivotal role in achieving China’s climate goals, particularly in energy, agriculture, and waste management. Against this backdrop, the Sino-German Cooperation on Climate Change – NDC Implementation project works with the provinces of Guangdong and Shandong to develop effective subnational methane mitigation strategies and action plans.

As China advances on its path toward carbon neutrality, the provinces of Sichuan and Anhui are taking concrete steps to decarbonise the cement sector, one of the country’s highest-emitting industries. A recent Sino-German workshop in Chengdu facilitated technical exchanges, policy dialogue, and the forging of partnerships. Provincial research institutes from both provinces presented their interim findings on cement decarbonization pathways, which will inform tailored policy recommendations for the provincial governments.  Discussions focused on aligning provincial strategies with national and international climate goals, drawing on both European and Chinese best practices.