Section 2: Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality Policy Overview

International Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Policies

• European Union (EU): The European Green Deal aims for climate neutrality by 2050. The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) taxes carbon emissions of certain imports to reduce global carbon emissions and encourage cleaner production abroad.
• United Kingdom (UK): Committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the UK has launched the "Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution" to foster green jobs and innovation across various sectors.
• United States of America (USA): California targets a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045. Nationally, the Biden administration aims for net-zero federal government emissions by 2050.
• Commonwealth of Australia: Targets net-zero emissions by 2050, focusing on investing in low-carbon technologies and improving energy and resource efficiency across industries.
• Japan: Committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, Japan focuses on renewable energy and new technologies like hydrogen and ammonia for energy production.
• South Korea: With the "Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth," South Korea plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2018 levels by 2030 and aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.

Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Policy in China

National-level Policy

China's strategic response to global climate commitments includes plans to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The policy framework includes:

• Energy consumption and efficiency: Implementing measures to reduce energy consumption per unit of GDP by 13.5% by 2025 and cutting carbon intensity by 18%.
• Industrial transformation: Encouraging green and low-carbon technology adoption in key industries like steel, cement, and chemicals.
• Innovation in green technologies: Supporting research and development in renewable energy, hydrogen energy, and green manufacturing practices.

Provincial/Municipal Policies

Regional policies complement national goals, with provinces setting specific targets and strategies based on local industrial structures and energy use patterns. These policies focus on:

• Energy structure adjustments: Transitioning from coal and other high-emission sources to renewable energies.
• Sector-specific initiatives: Tailoring actions in industrial, transportation, and residential sectors to regional needs.
• Monitoring and reporting: Enhancing mechanisms for tracking emissions and progress towards goals.

Policies in Some Cities

Major cities implement localized strategies to address unique challenges and opportunities in achieving carbon neutrality:

• Industrial upgrades: Focusing on modernizing manufacturing and energy systems to reduce emissions.
• Urban planning: Integrating green design and infrastructure to reduce the carbon footprint of city operations and living environments.

Implementation and Impact

The policies across different levels aim to synergize efforts towards a comprehensive and effective response to climate change. By aligning national directives with regional capabilities and conditions, China and other nations can mobilize a wide range of resources and stakeholders towards achieving global carbon neutrality goals.