China Accelerates Climate Action with 2035 Targets
President Xi Jinping used the UN Climate Summit 2025 platform to roll out China’s Nationally Determined Contributions for 2035, pledging an economy-wide net greenhouse gas reduction of 7–10% from peak levels and a sixfold expansion of wind and solar capacity to over 3,600 gigawatts.
Stronger Emission and Renewable Goals
While the 2020 pledge aimed for peak emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, the updated plan calls for a 7–10% cut in net greenhouse gas emissions from peak levels by 2035. It also charts a course for wind and solar capacity to exceed 3,600 gigawatts – more than six times the 2020 base.
Market Mechanisms and Green Growth
China’s carbon market reached record trading volumes of 189 million tonnes and 18.1 billion yuan in value by August 2025. The result? A 10.8% drop in power sector carbon intensity compared with 2018. Expanding policies now include voluntary greenhouse gas trading and an ever-growing afforestation effort equivalent to twice the size of Germany since 2012.
Cleaner Air and Thriving Ecosystems
In 2024, 222 cities met national air quality standards. PM2.5 levels averaged 29.3 micrograms per cubic meter, and 87.2% of days boasted good air quality. Ambitious land restoration and forest-growth programs underline the push for a healthier environment.
Global Green Partnerships
Echoing the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, China has mobilized over 177 billion yuan since 2016 to help 42 developing countries adopt clean energy and boost climate resilience. Landmark projects include Kenya’s Garissa solar plant serving 70,000 homes, South Africa’s De Aar wind farm and hydropower in Rwanda. Satellite support via HISEA-1 even aided Tonga’s volcanic response.
Looking Ahead
With its 2035 NDCs, China seeks to deepen multilateral climate cooperation, champion green technology flows and help build a shared future for humanity. The next decade will test how these targets shape a more sustainable global path – a challenge no country can tackle alone.
Reference(s):
What's new about China's 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions
cgtn.com
