CRNTT:

We have noticed that the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality work has been incorporated into the overall plans for building an ecological civilization. What progress has been made toward this goal, and how will the work be carried out going forward? Thank you.

Hu Zucai:

Thank you for your questions. Achieving the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality is a significant strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. This shows that China's building of an ecological civilization has entered a critical phase with carbon reduction as the key strategic direction, which is of great and far-reaching significance for promoting green and low-carbon transformation and facilitating high-quality development.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, historic achievements have been made in green and low-carbon transformation and development, and this is one area in which people feel the greatest sense of gain. This is reflected in the following three main aspects:

First, significant progress has been made in the green and low-carbon transformation of energy. The installed capacity of renewable energy in China has exceeded 1 billion kilowatts, and the installed capacities of hydro, wind, solar and biomass power each rank first in the world. The proportion of clean energy consumption increased from 14.5% to 25.5% of all energy consumption. Remarkable results have been achieved in the clean and efficient utilization of coal, and the capacity of coal power ultra-low emission units has exceeded 1 billion kilowatts, leading the world in terms of energy efficiency and emission levels.

Second, remarkable achievements have been made in saving energy and reducing emissions. China supports an average annual economic growth of 6.5% with an average annual energy consumption growth rate of 3%. Energy consumption intensity decreased by 26.2%, which is equivalent to a reduction of 1.4 billion tons of standard coal being used or 2.94 billion tons less of CO2 emissions. The reduction in CO2 emission intensity per unit of GDP exceeded the target of China's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC).

Third, the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. More people are choosing to adopt simple, moderate, green, low-carbon, civilized and healthy lifestyles.

Since the goals of achieving a carbon peak and carbon neutrality were proposed in 2020, under the personal planning, deployment and promotion by General Secretary Xi Jinping, the top-level design of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality has been completed, the "1+N" policy framework has been basically established, and the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality work has progressed in a steady and orderly manner, achieving a good start. At present and going forward, the focus of our work will be in the following five areas:

First, we need to strengthen overall planning and coordination. We must continue to improve the "1+N" policy framework for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Numerous supporting policy documents involving multiple industries and fields are being released at an accelerated pace. We must organize and implement the 10 major actions for carbon peaking and establish a unified and standardized carbon emission statistical and accounting system.

Second, we will vigorously promote the energy revolution. We will vigorously develop new energy sources, planning and building 450 million kilowatts of large-scale wind power and photovoltaic bases in sandy areas, rocky areas and deserts. The construction of projects totaling 85 million kilowatts have already started. The second batch of projects is stepping up preliminary work to accelerate the construction of a new energy supply and consumption system. To improve the level of clean and efficient utilization of coal, all coal-fired power plants with coal consumption exceeding 300 g/kWh for power supply should be upgraded. What needs to be emphasized here is that the basic national situation in China is of an abundance of coal, but a lack of oil and gas. The gradual withdrawal of traditional energy must be based on the safe and reliable replacement with new energy. We must insist on establishing replacements before getting rid of traditional energy in order to achieve safe carbon reduction.

Third, we will vigorously promote green and low-carbon transformation and development of industries. We must quickly promote the transformation of key industries to meet energy efficiency standards, accelerate the research and development and promotion of advanced and applicable technologies, actively develop green finance, and regulate development of the carbon market. We will resolutely curb the blind development of high-energy-consuming, high-emission and low-grade projects.

Fourth, we must vigorously advocate green ways of living. We will guide green and low-carbon consumption, advocate green travel, carry out green and low-carbon social activities, and make green lifestyles a new trend in society.

Fifth, we will actively participate in global climate governance. We will carry out multilateral and bilateral dialogues, exchanges and pragmatic cooperation to promote the establishment of a fair, reasonable, cooperative and win-win global environmental governance system.

To reach the dual targets of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 entails a broad, profound, and systematic economic and social transformation, which is no easy task. We must fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy. We need to follow the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, maintain strategic focus, and remain committed to the dual carbon goals. In this process, we will not just talk the talk or pursue quick success; instead, we will make pragmatic and sustained efforts for steady, effective, and efficient progress.

Thank you.