On the afternoon of November 15, local time in Azerbaijan, during the side event themed “Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction: China’s Actions” held at the China Pavilion of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, media from various countries gathered to record China’s achievements in its “dual carbon” efforts.
At the start of the side event, Wen Hua, Deputy Director of the Department of Resource Conservation and Environmental Protection of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China, took the stage to introduce the four-year accomplishments of China’s major declaration on carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. The achievements are impressive: China has established the world’s most systematic and comprehensive carbon reduction policy system, with significant progress in energy transition. The total installed capacity of wind and solar power has achieved the internationally committed target more than six years ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile, China has optimized and upgraded its industrial structure, building the world’s largest and most complete new energy industrial 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 a roughly 60% increase in the output rate of major resources over the past decade.
On September 22, 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at the general debate of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly that China aims to reach peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and strive to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.
At the climate conference four years later, what gives China the confidence to present this achievement report?
The Department of Resource Conservation and Environmental Protection of the NDRC bears the responsibility for coordinating carbon peaking and carbon neutrality efforts. During a break at the side event, The Paper (www.thepaper.cn) briefly interviewed Wen Hua, Deputy Director of the Department.
The following is the full dialogue:
Consensus, Passion, and Pragmatic Actions at the Climate Conference
The Paper: What are your personal feelings about participating in COP29 this time?
Wen Hua: My personal feeling about COP29 is that, first and foremost, there is a broader consensus among all parties on green and low-carbon development. Although different countries and regions may have different policy positions and concerns, there is a high degree of agreement on actively addressing climate change and accelerating green and low-carbon development.
Secondly, I feel a very high level of enthusiasm. Tens of thousands of representatives from around the world have come to COP29, with government departments, research institutions, social groups, and many enterprises participating together. Everyone actively contributes ideas and suggestions, proposing many ideas and solutions to jointly address the climate crisis faced by all of humanity.
The third characteristic is pragmatic action. At the leaders’ summit, many politicians emphasized that actions are more important than goals. At various side events, people enthusiastically exchanged ideas, shared policies and technologies, and sought cooperation opportunities. Everyone is becoming more rational and pragmatic. The climate conference is not just about talking; it’s about making tangible contributions to addressing climate change.
Using the Certainty of “Dual Carbon” Policies to Address External Environmental Uncertainties
The Paper: Everyone is paying close attention to the “dual carbon” achievement report that was just presented. What gives China the confidence to present its achievement report on addressing climate change at an international event like the climate conference?
Wen Hua: By presenting our achievement report at the China Pavilion side event, we are showing that over the past four years, China has consistently been a doer and action-taker in addressing climate change. Through genuine efforts and dedication, we have ultimately achieved remarkable results that have attracted worldwide attention.
I have just detailed our progress and achievements from six aspects. Whether it’s the construction of the policy system, energy transition, industrial structure optimization and upgrading, or resource utilization efficiency improvement, the achievements are very impressive and have received high recognition and universal praise from all parties.
Regarding confidence, I believe that the greatest confidence comes from the high priority that the Party Central Committee and the State Council place on “dual carbon” work.
Secondly, our confidence stems from having established the world’s most systematic and comprehensive “1+N” policy system for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. It is very important for us to address the uncertainty of the external environment with the certainty of our policies.
Lastly, our confidence also comes from the joint efforts of government departments and all sectors of society. Everyone is united in their thoughts and efforts, allowing our green and low-carbon development to deliver satisfactory results.
In the next step, we will accelerate the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development, actively and steadily promote carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, and ensure that the “dual carbon” goals are achieved as scheduled.
Developing a Circular Economy to Support “Dual Carbon” Efforts
At the China Pavilion of COP29, the information packets distributed at the side event themed “Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction: China’s Actions” were made from five used plastic bottles. Photo by Diao Fanchao, The Paper.
The Paper: The side event has also emphasized the development of a circular economy. How will this help achieve the “dual carbon” goals?
Wen Hua: Developing a circular economy, through reduction, reuse, and recycling, not only improves resource utilization efficiency but also effectively promotes the circular use of waste, which is of great significance in helping to achieve the “dual carbon” goals. For example, this bag in our hands is made from five used mineral water bottles. We can fully utilize existing resources to further improve resource utilization efficiency.
Another example is that many chairs at the China Pavilion are also made from used corrugated cardboard. These chairs made from recyclable cardboard have become a highlight of the China Pavilion, attracting visitors from other pavilions to come and inquire. This is a very good example of our active promotion of a circular economy and enhanced waste utilization.
The Paper: What suggestions do you have for public participation in addressing climate change?
Wen Hua: Climate change is not far from us. Besides government efforts, every one of us should actively participate in addressing climate change, starting from small things around us, saving every kWh of electricity and every drop of water, and advocating for green transportation. Each of our small contributions can add up to a powerful force, making our “dual carbon” efforts more effective and building a better home for us all.