China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on December 3 released a five-year green development plan of its industrial sectors, as reported by Reuters on the same day. MIIT reiterated the targets of lowering carbon dioxide emissions by 18% and energy intensity by 13.5% over the 2021-2025 period, or the 14th Five-Year Plan (FYP) period. It has also drafted guidelines of peaking carbon emissions in crucial sectors such as iron & steel, nonferrous metals, chemical, and construction materials. Additionally, the five-year scheme calls on major industrial sectors to curb pollution intensity, boost power use efficiency, and make use of recycled sources.

Previously, on November 25, China also unveiled a five-year national action plan to limit methane emissions in coal, agricultural, and waste disposal sectors during the 14th FYP period. Methane and carbon dioxide respectively account for 76% and 16% of the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES). However, neither of China’s plans to diminish GHG emissions has set a specific cap for emissions or sector-specific road maps, raising concerns about how and when the plans will be fulfilled. The industrial sectors need clear guidelines to follow, including quantitative indicators, data, and measurable instructions, citing Chen Sheng, head of the government-affiliated China Real Estate Data Academy.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/china-releases-five-year-green-development-plan-industrial-sectors-2021-12-03/

https://wallstreetcn.com/articles/3646441

https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/china-plans-methane-emission-controls-key-industries-2021-11-25/

https://www.c2es.org/content/international-emissions/

https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3158643/chinas-five-year-green-development-plan-industrial-sector