China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment is poised to publish a comprehensive plan to establish and implement a unified carbon footprint management system. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its green transition.
A carbon footprint represents the total greenhouse gas emissions produced by an entity, which can range from a product or individual to an entire institution or business. For products, it encompasses emissions throughout the entire life cycle—from production to disposal.
At a press conference on Wednesday, ministry spokesperson Pei Xiaofei outlined the plan’s specific measures. These include coordinating efforts across various sectors, promoting international alignment of carbon footprint standards, enhancing the calculation methods for product carbon footprints, and strengthening the protection of property rights related to carbon data.
Pei emphasized the importance of accelerating research into carbon accounting methods for key products such as electricity, coal, and fuel oil. “This will provide a solid foundation for calculating the full life-cycle carbon footprints of downstream products,” she stated.
Analysts believe that effective carbon footprint management is crucial for China to meet its carbon reduction targets. The country has pledged to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
