China has outlined a comprehensive strategy to accelerate its green and low-carbon transition under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), as announced by Premier Li Qiang during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on March 5, 2026. The plan sets measurable targets to reduce carbon intensity, expand renewable energy systems, and strengthen ecological conservation efforts.
Premier Li highlighted China's recent achievements, including improving air quality in cities at or above the prefectural level to 89.3% 'good or excellent' days over the past five years and increasing forest coverage to over 25%. He emphasized that China now hosts the world's largest renewable energy infrastructure, a cornerstone of its climate strategy.
The draft outline submitted to the NPC proposes a 17% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 2030, aligning with China's Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. Five key indicators will guide the transition, focusing on pollution control, ecosystem restoration, and sector-wide decarbonization.
Analysts note that this plan reinforces China's commitment to balancing economic growth with sustainability, offering potential opportunities for overseas investors in clean energy and green technology sectors.
