China has made solid progress in terms of ecology and the environment, such as improving air and water quality and fostering biodiversity, thanks to measures taken during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), an official said on Friday.

China established the world's largest carbon emissions trading market during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, which is now operating smoothly, Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said.

Speaking at a press conference, Huang said that the country's carbon emissions trading market covers more than 60 percent of national carbon emissions.

Since its launch in July 2021, the national platform has evolved into the world's largest carbon emissions trading market by the amount of greenhouse gas emissions traded.

The framework, which allows the buying and selling of permits to emit carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases, is regarded as one of the critical tools to help reduce carbon footprints and meet emissions targets.

As of September 18, some 714 million tonnes of carbon emission allowances had been traded for over 48.96 billion yuan (about $6.88 billion), demonstrating strong market vitality, said Li Gao, vice minister of ecology and environment, at the press conference.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China phased out nearly 20 million high-emission vehicles, Huang said.

Chinese cities have reported steady progress in air quality. In 2024, the proportion of days with good air quality in cities at or above prefecture level increased 2.4 percentage points from 2020 to 87.2 percent, according to Huang.

The proportion of surface water of fairly good quality – at or above Grade III in the country's five-tier water quality system – was 90.4 percent in 2024, surpassing 90 percent for the first time.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China advanced the implementation of major biodiversity conservation projects, effectively safeguarding 90 percent of terrestrial ecosystem types and 74 percent of key wild animal and plant populations.

Public satisfaction with the ecological environment has remained above 90 percent for four consecutive years.

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), China will continue to accelerate the building of a Beautiful China, where humans and nature coexist in harmony.

Guo Fang, another vice minister of ecology and environment, said at the press conference that China continues to deepen South-South cooperation and promote the green Belt and Road Initiative, providing effective support for sustainable development in developing countries.

China has provided and mobilized a total of 177 billion yuan (about $25 billion) in project funds to support developing countries in addressing climate change, according to Guo.

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(Cover: Milu deer rest near the wind farm at the Tiaozini Wetlands in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, east China, July 29, 2025. /VCG)