At the heart of Beijing, a transformative journey toward green and low-carbon urban growth is unfolding, positioning the city as a model for sustainability. On December 18 and 19, 2024, the Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints convened over 160 international guests from more than 40 countries, all focused on exploring pathways to modernize urban governance.
The forum unveiled several significant reform outcomes, including the Compilation of Research Papers on Swift Response to Public Complaints in Beijing (2024), Cases of Urban Governance Innovation (2024), and an Evaluation Report on Worldwide City Hotline Services and Governance Effectiveness (2024). These publications underscore Beijing’s commitment to addressing urban challenges and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Globally, cities are grappling with the pressing issue of climate change. With the world’s population exceeding 8 billion in 2023 and more than half residing in urban areas, the need for sustainable urban development has never been more critical. Beijing is witnessing firsthand the impacts of a changing climate. In 2023, the city’s average annual temperature reached a record high since 1961, with the Beijing Observatory recording 34 high-temperature days—2.4 times the annual average. The city also experienced severe cold spells in winter, setting the longest consecutive low-temperature record in December since 1951.
The extremes didn’t stop there. Between July 29 and August 2, 2023, Beijing endured the heaviest rainfall in 140 years, leading to severe flooding and highlighting the urgent need for climate resilience. In response, on April 18, 2024, Beijing introduced an action plan for climate change adaptation, prioritizing disaster prevention, mitigation, and the strengthening of urban climate resilience.
Beijing’s proactive approach to environmental challenges is evident in its transition to green and low-carbon energy sources. During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), the city established four major combined heat and power centers, phased out nearly 2.73 million kilowatts of coal-fired units, and added about 7.24 million kilowatts of gas-fired units. This shift means that electricity produced locally is now generated using cleaner energy sources.
Furthermore, approximately 30,000 steam tons of coal-fired boilers were upgraded, and clean alternatives for residential scattered coal usage were implemented. These measures led to a significant decrease in coal’s share of energy consumption, dropping from 13.7 percent in 2015 to just 1.9 percent in 2020. Beijing achieved a coal-free status in its plain areas, substantially reducing carbon dioxide and air pollutant emissions at the source.
The results of these efforts are tangible. Beijing’s annual average PM2.5 concentration decreased from 80.6 micrograms per cubic meter in 2015 to 32 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023. The number of days with heavy pollution fell from 42 to eight (including six sandstorm days). These improvements reflect the city’s relentless pursuit of clean air and a healthier environment for its residents.
Beijing’s green transformation serves as an inspiring example for cities worldwide facing similar challenges. By embracing sustainable practices and prioritizing environmental resilience, Beijing is not only enhancing the quality of life for its own residents but also setting a benchmark for urban centers globally to follow in the fight against climate change.
Reference(s):
Beijing's green blueprint: A model for low-carbon urban growth
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