China is set to accelerate its green transition across all economic and social sectors, Premier Li Qiang announced on Wednesday. Speaking at the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Li emphasized the nation’s commitment to cutting carbon emissions, reducing pollution, advancing green development, and boosting economic growth.
“We will enhance pollution prevention and control and ecological conservation,” Li said. “We will continue our drive to keep the skies blue, waters clear, and lands clean. Comprehensive efforts will be made to develop the national park-based system of protected areas and initiate major biodiversity conservation programs.”
Premier Li outlined specific actions to pursue a low-carbon economy. “We will carry out demonstration programs for the latest green and low-carbon technologies, fostering new growth drivers such as green buildings,” he stated. “We will exercise tight and effective regulation over energy-intensive projects, step up recycling of waste and used materials, and boost incentives for eco-friendly consumption. Our aim is to promote green and low-carbon ways of production and life.”
Addressing climate goals, Li added, “We will actively and prudently work toward peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. Efforts will be made to establish a group of zero-carbon industrial parks and factories, launch carbon emissions statistics and accounting initiatives, and conduct low-carbon upgrade trials in coal-fired power plants. We will actively engage in and steer global environmental and climate governance.”
The session, scheduled from March 5 to 11, is expected to further detail China’s strategies for a sustainable future.
