From 4-9 August 2025, a Thailand-China workshop on Ecological Spatial Planning (ESP) took place in Shanghai, China. The event provided a platform to exchange and learn about how ESP and other concepts are developed and implemented in China, and how ESP can be enhanced in Thailand. Following the workshop, the delegation conducted site visits in the Yangtze River Delta for first-hand exposure to ecological spatial planning practices in China. Participants from both countries expressed their interest in continuing the dialogue and exchanges in Thailand, with a view to fostering more concrete cooperations in ESP and related fields in the future.
Germany and China are protagonists and role models for a successful urbanisation process offering significant scope for transformation and innovation. As many cities and local governments take steps to become low-carbon and climate-resilient, they face common challenges to address sustainability and climate goals.
This report examines the role of spatial planning in promoting low-carbon urbanisation. It outlines policy foundations and progress in low-carbon urban development in China, explores the advantages of spatial planning, and draws on international best practices. The report evaluates municipal planning policies and recommends strategic pathways for key areas to establish a comprehensive low-carbon system aligned with China’s dual carbon goals.
The report assesses the practical progress of spatial planning in addressing climate change within the European Union and selected member states. It analyses mitigation and adaptation strategies, outlining methods and key aspects for their integration. Based on EU experiences, the report provides recommendations for effectively incorporating climate change considerations into China’s spatial planning system.
