China unveils climate plan: 17% carbon intensity cut by 2030

China has set a new climate target. The country plans to cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 17% by 2030 from 2025 levels, according to a national climate change plan made public on Wednesday.

The plan, issued by multiple government departments including the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Development and Reform Commission, outlines key climate goals for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

Among the targets, China will: 

- Build a transparent, internationally aligned voluntary carbon trading market. 

- Establish a product carbon footprint management system.

- Reduce non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emissions by 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

- Raise non-fossil energy share to 25% of total energy consumption. 

The plan also calls for stronger climate risk assessments and response to extreme weather events to enhance climate resilience.

It also aims to implement a dual-control system for total carbon emissions and carbon intensity, accelerate the development of a new energy system, expand non-fossil energy use, and promote the peak of coal and oil consumption.

The targets build on China's broader commitment to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

(With input from Xinhua)