Green reforms and climate goals discussed at Beijing conference

A conference on China's environmental strategy and policy underscored the nation's commitment to a greener future.

Held in Beijing on Saturday, the gathering, organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment's Policy Research Center for Environment and Economy, focused on the implementation of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee's guidelines for ecological conservation.

Zhao Yingmin, vice-minister of ecology and environment, highlighted the significant progress China has made in ecological conservation through systemic reforms. He emphasized the ongoing nature of these reforms, noting that they are essential for China's continued development.

Xie Zhenhua, former special envoy for climate change of China, discussed China's role in global climate governance. He emphasized the need for China to actively contribute to international efforts to address climate change, particularly as the nation prepares to submit its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035.

The conference featured discussions on various aspects of ecological conservation, including the main functional zones system, the environmental code, green transportation, and green finance. Four specialized sessions delved deeper into these topics, attracting over 150 representatives from government agencies, research institutions, and provincial and municipal governments.