China Showcases Ecological Civilization and Climate Leadership at COP30

BEIJING, CHINA: China highlighted its environmental achievements at a side session during the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, showcasing its vision of ecological civilisation and ongoing climate action. The event, held at the China Pavilion under the theme of ecological civilisation and building a 'Beautiful China,' brought together senior Chinese officials and top United Nations climate leaders.

China’s Minister of Ecology and Environment (MEE) Huang Runqiu stated that ecological civilization has been placed at an 'unprecedented height' since 2012, integrating carbon reduction, pollution control, ecosystem restoration, and high-quality growth. He added that China has achieved remarkable ecological and green development milestones and will continue advancing ecological civilization through broader vision and stronger measures, while implementing national strategies and promoting the Global Development, Security, Civilization, and Governance Initiatives to address climate change.

Keynote speakers included UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Climate Action Selwin Hart, and China’s special climate envoy Liu Zhenmin. Li Gao, China’s COP30 delegation head and MEE vice minister, chaired the opening session, emphasising China’s role as a 'determined actor and major contributor to global green development' and calling for strengthened unity to build 'a clean, beautiful and sustainable world.'

Stiell described China as 'a cornerstone of global climate action,' noting its longstanding South-South cooperation and contributions to international climate governance. UNEP’s Andersen highlighted China’s concept that 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,' recognising its leadership in sectors such as electric vehicles, declining energy intensity per GDP, and the rapid expansion of the national carbon market. Hart stressed that COP30 must mark a 'turning point' in global climate efforts, urging stronger collective action in the next decade. Liu Zhenmin noted the symbolic timing of COP30: the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the fifth year since China announced its carbon peaking and neutrality pledges. He highlighted China’s updated nationally determined contribution unveiled on Sept. 24, which outlines economy-wide net emissions reductions post-carbon peak and key accompanying actions, sending a 'strong signal of China’s firm resolve.' The session also released two reports on China’s ecological civilisation progress and updated climate policy roadmap, alongside a globally launched public-interest environmental song. Hosted by the MEE and the Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization Research Center, the event aimed to share experience, build consensus, and support the COP30 agenda.