COP29 | National Development and Reform Commission: China Has Established the World’s Most Systematic and Comprehensive Carbon Reduction Policy System

On the afternoon of November 15, local time in Azerbaijan, a side event themed “Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction: China’s Actions” was held at the China Pavilion during the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
During his keynote speech, Wen Hua, Deputy Director of the Department of Resource Conservation and Environmental Protection of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), introduced the notable achievements of China’s green and low-carbon development. He pointed out that China has established the world’s most systematic and comprehensive policy system for carbon emission reduction, with significant results in energy transition. The country has achieved its internationally committed goals for total installed capacity of wind and solar power generation more than six years ahead of schedule.
At the same time, China has optimized and upgraded its industrial structure, establishing the world’s largest and most complete new energy industry chain. The pace of green transformation in buildings and transportation has accelerated, with green buildings accounting for over 90% of new urban construction, and the annual production of new energy vehicles having surpassed 10 million in 2024. Resource utilization efficiency has continuously improved, with the output rate of major resources increasing by about 60% over the past decade.
Guo Rui, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the NDRC, introduced the progress of international cooperation in addressing climate change and sustainable industries. He emphasized that while actively promoting its own green transformation, China has always upheld an open and cooperative attitude, leveraging multilateral platforms such as the BRICS, APEC, and G20 to jointly address climate change and promote economic development with other countries. At the 2023 BRICS Leaders’ Summit, China initiated the “BRICS Sustainable Industry Exchange and Cooperation Mechanism,” which received strong support and positive responses from BRICS countries.
Lu Shize, Deputy Director of the Department of Climate Change of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, introduced China’s achievements in energy transition, energy efficiency improvement, carbon emission trading market, and participation in global climate governance, expressing willingness to extensively engage in international cooperation on climate change with various parties.
The side event was hosted by the National Energy Conservation Center of the NDRC and co-organized by the International Cooperation Center.
Lv Wenbin, Director of the Energy Research Institute of the NDRC, introduced China’s initiatives and achievements in promoting low-carbon energy transition in recent years. Tang Zujun, Vice President of the China Iron and Steel Association, presented the relevant practices and achievements of the “Extreme Energy Efficiency” campaign in China’s steel industry to promote energy saving and carbon reduction. Representatives from the International Electrotechnical Commission, Energy Foundation China, Beijing Energy Saving and Environmental Protection Center, State Grid Corporation of China, and China Boqi Environmental Protection Company engaged in dialogues and exchanges on international cooperation in energy saving and efficiency improvement. Representatives from the China Association of Circular Economy, China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group, Gelinmei Co., Ltd., New Development Bank, and Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A. conducted thematic discussions on green transformation and sustainable industry cooperation.