China trusted force in global climate governance – People’s Daily

Report on China’s Contributions to Global Climate Governance and the Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Decade of Action Since the Paris Agreement

The 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement marks a critical juncture for global climate governance. The 30th United Nations climate change conference in Belem, Brazil, underscores the international community’s urgent need to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action). This report details the People’s Republic of China’s efforts over the past decade to address the climate crisis through domestic policy and international cooperation, aligning its actions with the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

China’s National Commitments and Policy Framework for Climate Action

Aligning National Strategy with Global Goals

China has demonstrated a firm commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the Paris Agreement, contributing significantly to global efforts to achieve SDG 13. The nation’s strategic climate objectives have evolved from intensity-based targets to absolute emissions reduction, reflecting a comprehensive approach to sustainable development.

1. 2020 Carbon Intensity Target: China fulfilled its commitment to reduce carbon intensity ahead of schedule, a foundational step in its climate journey.
2. 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): Announced in 2015, this commitment demonstrated a strong resolve to advance multilateral climate governance.
3. Dual Carbon Goals (2020): The announcement of goals to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 provided significant new momentum for global climate action.
4. 2035 NDC: Unveiled in September, this plan marks a historic shift to absolute emissions reduction across the entire economy, directly implementing the Paris Agreement and setting a course for green transformation.

To implement these goals, China established a “1+N” policy framework, providing a comprehensive roadmap for government departments and local authorities to pursue institutional and technological innovations for a green transition.

Domestic Implementation: Progress Across Key Sustainable Development Goals

Advancing SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

China has made substantial progress in transitioning its energy system, becoming a global leader in renewable energy and directly contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

• By 2024, non-fossil energy constituted 19.8 percent of primary energy consumption.
• The 2030 targets for total installed capacity of wind and solar power were achieved ahead of schedule.
• China is the world’s largest producer, installer, and exporter of renewable energy equipment.
• Production and sales of electric vehicles have surpassed those of traditional auto producers, promoting sustainable transport under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Strengthening SDG 13 and SDG 15: Climate Adaptation and Ecosystem Protection

China has integrated climate adaptation and resilience into its national strategy, addressing key targets within SDG 13 and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

• The national emissions trading system now covers over 60 percent of the country’s carbon emissions, supporting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
• Pioneering efforts in climate adaptation include the development of early warning systems for climate disasters.
• The construction of climate-resilient cities and the conservation and restoration of mangrove forests enhance ecosystem resilience.
• The national target for forest stock volume for 2030 was achieved ahead of schedule.

International Cooperation: Fostering SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

South-South Cooperation on Climate Change

China has actively promoted South-South cooperation to support other developing nations in their climate efforts, embodying the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. Since 2015, China has mobilized over 177 billion yuan ($24.9 billion) in project funding for developing countries.
2. By the end of 2024, over 300 capacity-building workshops were hosted, training more than 10,000 experts from over 120 developing countries.
3. Support includes the establishment of low-carbon demonstration zones and the provision of essential supplies like photovoltaic systems and clean stoves.

Case Study: The Africa Solar Belt Program

The Africa Solar Belt program, launched in 2023, is a prime example of China’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in partner nations. The project in Sao Tome and Principe directly addresses multiple SDGs:

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The provision of 3,100 household photovoltaic systems delivered clean electricity to approximately one-tenth of all households.
• SDG 1 (No Poverty): By alleviating energy poverty, the project improves the quality of life and creates conditions for economic development.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The program exemplifies a successful partnership to enhance capacity and address critical development challenges.

Conclusion

Over the past decade, China has translated its climate commitments into concrete actions that advance multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Through ambitious domestic policies promoting clean energy, sustainable industry, and climate resilience, alongside robust international cooperation through South-South partnerships, China has established itself as a key contributor to building a fair, rational, and effective global climate governance system.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article extensively discusses the development and use of clean energy. It highlights China’s achievements in wind and solar power, the increasing share of non-fossil fuels in its energy mix, and its role as a major producer and exporter of renewable energy equipment. Furthermore, it details China’s efforts to provide clean energy solutions, such as household photovoltaic systems, to developing countries in Africa.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article makes a direct reference to China’s efforts in “the construction of climate-resilient cities.” This initiative is part of the country’s broader strategy for climate adaptation, aiming to make urban areas better prepared for the impacts of climate change, which is a core component of creating sustainable and resilient communities.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  This is the central theme of the article. It revolves around global climate governance, the Paris Agreement, and actions taken to combat climate change. The text details China’s commitments, such as its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and “dual carbon goals,” its policies for emissions reduction, and its measures for climate adaptation, including early warning systems for disasters.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change. It details China’s commitment to multilateralism and South-South cooperation, including providing financial support, launching mitigation and adaptation programs, offering training opportunities, and transferring technology to other developing countries to enhance their capacity to tackle climate challenges.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. The article describes the “Africa Solar Belt program,” specifically the project in Sao Tome and Principe that provided 3,100 household photovoltaic systems, directly improving access to electricity for about one-tenth of the households.
  • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article states that by 2024, “non-fossil energy accounted for 19.8 percent of China’s primary energy consumption” and that the country achieved its 2030 targets for wind and solar power capacity ahead of schedule.
  • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology. China’s initiatives, such as providing photovoltaic systems and launching low-carbon programs in developing countries, exemplify this target.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.b: By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters. The article directly mentions China’s work on “the construction of climate-resilient cities” as a key part of its climate adaptation strategy.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. The article highlights China’s pioneering role in “climate adaptation, including early warning systems for climate disasters” and the conservation of mangrove forests.
  • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. China’s establishment of a “‘1+N’ policy framework” for its “dual carbon goals” and the unveiling of its 2035 NDC demonstrate the integration of climate action into its national planning.
  • Target 13.b: Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States. China’s provision of “1,000 training opportunities” and training of “over 10,000 experts from more than 120 developing countries” directly supports this target.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources. The article states that China has “provided or mobilized more than 177 billion yuan ($24.9 billion) in project funding” to support other developing countries.
  • Target 17.7: Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries. The provision of “photovoltaic systems, early warning equipment, and clean stoves” to partner countries through programs like the Africa Solar Belt is a direct example of technology transfer.
  • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries. The article mentions that China has hosted “more than 300 capacity-building workshops on climate change through South-South cooperation,” which directly addresses this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicators for SDG 7

  • Indicator 7.1.1 (Proportion of population with access to electricity): This is implied by the project in Sao Tome and Principe, which provided 3,100 photovoltaic systems to benefit “about 1/10 of all households,” directly measuring an increase in electricity access.
  • Indicator 7.2.1 (Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption): The article provides a specific metric: “non-fossil energy accounted for 19.8 percent of China’s primary energy consumption” by 2024.

• Indicators for SDG 13

  • Indicator 13.2.1 (Number of countries that have communicated a nationally determined contribution): The article explicitly refers to China’s communication of its NDCs in 2015 and its updated 2035 NDC, which serves as a qualitative indicator of its commitment and planning.

• Indicators for SDG 17

  • Indicator 17.3.1 (Additional financial resources mobilized for developing countries from multiple sources): A specific financial figure is provided: “more than 177 billion yuan ($24.9 billion) in project funding” mobilized by China.
  • Indicator 17.9.1 (Dollar value of financial and technical assistance… committed to developing countries): While a total dollar value is not given, the article provides quantitative measures of technical assistance, such as “more than 300 capacity-building workshops” and “over 10,000 experts” trained, which serve as proxies for this indicator.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: en.people.cn