Seven departments have issued the “Implementation Plan for Synergistic Pollution Reduction and Carbon Emission Reduction,” promoting green transformation across the entire industrial chain and launching initiatives to replace conventional energy sources with renewable energy.

Release Date:

2022-06-22

　　The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the National Energy Administration recently issued the “Implementation Plan for Synergistic Pollution Reduction and Carbon Emission Reduction to Enhance Efficiency” (hereinafter referred to as the “Plan”). The Plan sets out the following key objectives: by 2025, a working framework for advancing pollution reduction and carbon emission reduction in a coordinated manner will be essentially in place; significant progress will be made in optimizing and adjusting the structure of key regions and sectors and in promoting green, low‑carbon development; a number of replicable and scalable best practices will be established; and the degree of synergy between pollution reduction and carbon emission reduction will be effectively enhanced. By 2030, synergistic capacity in these areas will be markedly strengthened, contributing to the achievement of the carbon peaking target; in key regions for air pollution prevention, coordinated efforts to achieve carbon peaking and improve air quality will yield substantial results; and the level of integrated governance in pollution prevention and control across water, soil, solid waste, and other domains will be significantly improved.
　　With regard to strengthening source‑level prevention and control, the Plan calls for tightening environmental access management, explicitly prohibiting the addition of new production capacity in key air‑pollution‑control regions for industries such as steel, coking, oil refining, electrolytic aluminum, cement, and flat glass (excluding photovoltaic glass). It also seeks to advance a green and low‑carbon energy transition by implementing renewable‑energy substitution initiatives, vigorously developing wind, solar, biomass, ocean, and geothermal energy, appropriately developing hydropower based on local conditions, carrying out green upgrades of small hydropower facilities, and, under strict regulatory oversight and with absolute safety ensured, steadily expanding nuclear power while continuously increasing the share of non‑fossil‑fuel energy consumption.
　　In key sectors, the Plan calls for advancing synergistic efficiency in industry: by 2025 and 2030, the share of short-process steelmaking nationwide will rise to at least 15% and 20%, respectively. By 2025, recycled aluminum production will reach 11.5 million tons, and by 2030, the proportion of renewable energy used in primary aluminum smelting will increase to over 30%. Synergies in transportation will also be promoted: by 2030, in priority regions for air pollution control, new‑energy vehicles are expected to account for roughly 50% of all new car sales. In agriculture, efforts will focus on enhancing synergistic efficiency; by 2025, the three major grain crops… Fertilizer 、 Pesticide Utilization rates have all increased to 43%. In the agricultural sector, green energy models such as biomass and solar power are being vigorously promoted, accelerating the replacement of conventional energy sources with renewable energy in rural heating and cooking, as well as in agricultural and agro-processing facilities.
　　In addition, the Plan sets forth requirements in areas such as optimizing environmental governance, promoting innovative models, strengthening supporting measures and safeguards, and enhancing implementation and organization.
　　Implementation Plan for Synergistic Efficiency in Pollution Reduction and Carbon Emission Reduction
　　To thoroughly implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality, to fulfill the requirements for ecological progress in the new stage of development, and to promote pollution reduction and carbon mitigation in a coordinated manner—ensuring integrated planning, deployment, implementation, and evaluation—this Implementation Plan has been formulated.
　　I. Current Situation
　　Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China has achieved historic progress in ecological civilization construction and environmental protection, with continuous improvements in environmental quality and a marked reduction in carbon intensity. However, it is also important to recognize that imbalances and inadequacies in development remain prominent, the environmental protection situation remains grave, and structural, root‑cause, and trend‑driven pressures have yet to be fundamentally alleviated. Thus, realizing the vision of building a Beautiful China and achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality remains a long and arduous journey. Unlike developed countries, which, after largely resolving environmental pollution, have moved into a phase of strengthening carbon‑emission control, China’s current ecological civilization efforts simultaneously confront two major strategic tasks: fundamentally improving the environment and achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Consequently, the need for multi‑objective environmental governance has become even more pressing, and synergistically advancing pollution reduction and carbon mitigation has emerged as an inevitable choice for China’s comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development in the new stage of development.
　　In the face of new circumstances, tasks, and requirements in building an ecological civilization, and given the close interconnection between environmental pollutants and carbon emissions, it is imperative to ground our efforts in reality, adhere to the intrinsic principles governing pollution reduction and carbon mitigation, and strengthen governance at the source, across systems, and in a comprehensive manner. We must ensure that carbon‑reduction initiatives effectively drive improvements in ecological and environmental quality, fully leverage the existing ecological and environmental institutional framework to synergistically advance low‑carbon development, innovate policy measures, refine governance pathways, and promote the coordinated enhancement of both pollution reduction and carbon mitigation.
　　II. General Requirements
　　(1) Guiding Principles
　　Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will comprehensively implement the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and all plenary sessions of the 19th CPC Central Committee. In accordance with the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, we will deeply apply Xi Jinping’s thought on ecological civilization, adhere to the overarching principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, ground ourselves in the new stage of development, fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, foster a new development pattern, and promote high-quality development. We will regard achieving synergistic efficiency in pollution reduction and carbon mitigation as the central lever for advancing the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development, firmly anchoring ourselves to the goals of building a Beautiful China and attaining carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. We will scientifically grasp the holistic nature of pollution prevention and climate governance, taking structural adjustment and spatial optimization as key levers, focusing on refining governance pathways, and employing policy coordination and institutional innovation as means to improve laws and standards, strengthen scientific and technological support, and comprehensively enhance the overall effectiveness of environmental governance, thereby realizing win‑win outcomes that deliver environmental, climatic, and economic benefits.
　　(II) Principles of Work
　　Emphasize synergistic efficiency. Adhering to a systems‑based approach, we will coordinate efforts related to peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality with ecological and environmental protection, strengthening synergy across objectives, regions, sectors, tasks, policies, and regulatory frameworks. We will enhance the alignment between ecological and environmental policies and energy‑industry policies, leveraging carbon‑peaking initiatives to deepen environmental governance and using environmental governance to support high‑quality peak‑achievement.
　　Strengthen source‑level prevention and control. Focus on the primary sources of environmental pollutants and carbon emissions, emphasizing key sectors, priority industries, and critical links; enhance resource and energy conservation and efficient utilization; and accelerate the development of industrial structures, production practices, and lifestyles that promote pollution reduction and carbon mitigation.
　　Optimize technological pathways. Coordinate emission reduction requirements across water, air, soil, solid waste, and greenhouse gas sectors; refine governance objectives, treatment processes, and technical roadmaps; prioritize nature-based solutions; strengthen research, development, and application of technologies; enhance the synergistic control of multiple pollutants and greenhouse gases; and improve the coordination between pollution prevention and carbon‑emission management.
　　Emphasize institutional innovation. Fully leverage the existing legal and regulatory framework, standards, policy system, and capabilities in statistics, monitoring, and oversight; refine management systems, foundational capacities, and market mechanisms; and advance pollution reduction and carbon mitigation in a coordinated manner, establishing effective incentives and constraints to robustly support the implementation of pollution‑reduction and carbon‑reduction goals and tasks.
　　Encourage pioneering trials and experimentation. Leverage the initiative and creativity of the grassroots level, innovate management approaches, develop distinctive best practices and effective models, strengthen their dissemination and application, and achieve synergistic efficiency in pollution reduction and carbon mitigation across multiple levels and sectors.
　　(III) Main Objectives
　　By 2025, a working framework for synergistically advancing pollution reduction and carbon mitigation will be largely in place; significant progress will have been made in optimizing and adjusting the structure of key regions and sectors and in promoting green, low-carbon development; a number of replicable and scalable best practices will have been established; and the synergy between pollution reduction and carbon mitigation will be effectively enhanced.
　　By 2030, the capacity for synergistic pollution reduction and carbon mitigation will be significantly enhanced, supporting the achievement of the carbon peak target; in key regions for air pollution prevention and control, coordinated progress toward both carbon peaking and improved air quality will yield substantial results; and the level of integrated governance across sectors such as water, soil, and solid waste pollution control will see marked improvement. III. Strengthening Source‑Level Prevention and Control
　　(4) Strengthening Zoning-Based Management of the Ecological Environment
　　Establish a pollution‑reduction and carbon‑emission‑cutting policy framework that provides tailored guidance for urbanized areas, major agricultural production zones, and key ecological function zones. Align with land‑space planning zoning and land‑use control requirements, integrating carbon‑peak and carbon‑neutral objectives into the “Three Lines and One List” (ecological protection red line, environmental quality bottom line, resource‑use ceiling, and ecological environment access list) zoning and management system. Strengthen the role of regional environmental‑quality improvement targets in guiding energy and industrial spatial planning, and explore the development of an industrial access‑and‑exit list system oriented toward both regional environmental‑quality enhancement and carbon‑peak goals. Intensify efforts to adjust the economic structure and optimize spatial layouts in severely polluted areas, and accelerate the phase‑out of outdated and excess capacity in priority regions and key river basins. In accordance with the law, expedite the relocation, upgrading, or closure of heavily polluting enterprises located in built‑up urban areas. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Water Resources shall assume responsibilities as assigned.)
　　(5) Strengthen environmental access management.
　　Resolutely curb the unchecked development of high‑energy‑consumption, high‑emission, low‑level projects. The approval of such projects must strictly comply with national industrial planning, industrial policies, the “Three Lines and One List” framework, environmental impact assessment procedures, water‑withdrawal permit reviews, energy‑conservation reviews, and requirements for regional pollutant reduction and substitution. Advanced, appropriate technologies and equipment should be adopted, energy‑consumption thresholds for high‑energy‑intensive projects should be raised, and energy, material, and water consumption must reach advanced clean‑production standards. Continuously strengthen environmental governance within industrial clusters by clearly defining industrial layouts and development directions, setting high entry barriers for new projects, and guiding industries toward specialization, refinement, uniqueness, and innovation. In the Guidance Catalogue for Industrial Structure Adjustment, take into account the need to synergistically enhance pollution reduction and carbon mitigation, and refine the classification of projects as encouraged, restricted, or to be phased out. Optimize methods for assessing ecological and environmental impacts and related admission requirements, and accelerate the planning and construction of large‑scale wind and photovoltaic power bases in desert, gobi, and arid regions. In key areas for air pollution prevention and control, the addition of new production capacity in steel, coking, oil refining, electrolytic aluminum, cement, and flat glass (excluding photovoltaic glass) is strictly prohibited. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Water Resources, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the National Energy Administration shall assume responsibilities according to their respective duties.)
　　(6) Promote the green and low-carbon transformation of the energy sector
　　Coordinate energy security with green and low‑carbon development, and promote the clean and low‑carbon transformation of the energy supply system as well as the electrification of end‑use energy consumption. Implement a renewable‑energy substitution initiative, vigorously develop wind, solar, biomass, ocean, and geothermal energy, and, based on local conditions, advance hydropower development while carrying out green upgrades of small hydropower facilities. On the premise of stringent regulation and absolute safety, pursue the orderly development of nuclear power, and steadily increase the share of non‑fossil energy in total consumption. Strictly control coal‑fired power projects: during the 14th Five‑Year Plan period, rigorously and rationally cap the growth of coal consumption; during the 15th Five‑Year Plan period, gradually reduce it. Focus on curbing the use of loose coal and other non‑electricity‑related coal applications, and prohibit the construction or expansion of new coal‑fired captive power plants outside areas permitted by national policies. Continuously advance clean heating in northern regions during the winter. For newly built, renovated, or expanded industrial kilns and furnaces, adopt clean, low‑carbon energy sources; optimize natural gas usage, giving priority to residential gas supply; and systematically promote the replacement of coal‑fired industrial and agricultural uses with natural gas. (The National Development and Reform Commission, the National Energy Administration, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the State Administration for Market Regulation shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　(7) Accelerate the development of a green lifestyle.
　　Promote a simple, moderate, green, low‑carbon, and civilized, healthy lifestyle to reduce pollutants and carbon emissions at the source. Expand the supply and consumption of green, low‑carbon products, accelerate the establishment of a unified certification and labeling system for green products, and improve mechanisms for promoting such products. Carry out initiatives such as building green communities, and launch comprehensive campaigns across society to combat waste. Promote green packaging, advance the reduction of packaging and printing, and minimize both the printed area and the number of ink colors used. Encourage the public to prioritize green, low‑carbon modes of transport, including public transit, cycling, and walking. Leverage the leading and exemplary role of public institutions—particularly Party and government agencies—in energy conservation and emissions reduction. Explore the development of public participation mechanisms such as “carbon inclusivity.” (The National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Commerce, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the State Administration of Government Offices shall assume responsibilities according to their respective duties.)
　　IV. Highlighting Key Areas
　　(8) Promote synergistic efficiency in the industrial sector
　　Implement the Green Manufacturing Initiative, promote green design, and explore greening across the entire industrial value chain—covering product design, production processes, product distribution, and end-of-life recycling and resource recovery. Accelerate green development throughout the entire process in the industrial sector, from source‑level emission reduction and process control to end‑of‑pipe treatment and comprehensive resource utilization. Advance industrial energy conservation and improve energy efficiency. In accordance with the law, carry out mandatory clean‑production audits for “double‑excess, double‑high‑consumption” enterprises; undertake clean‑production upgrades in key industries; and help a number of leading enterprises reach internationally advanced standards. Study and establish long‑term mechanisms for capacity reduction in sectors such as steel and coking under atmospheric environmental capacity constraints, and gradually reduce the number of independent sintering and hot‑rolling enterprises. Strongly support the development of electric‑arc furnace short‑process technologies; accelerate the substitution of raw materials and fuels in the cement industry; promote oil‑reduction and chemical‑product expansion in the petrochemical sector; increase the share of recycled aluminum in the aluminum industry; and widely deploy high‑efficiency, low‑carbon technologies to expedite the growth of the secondary nonferrous metals industry. By 2025 and 2030, the national share of short‑process steelmaking will rise to at least 15% and 20%, respectively. By 2025, recycled aluminum output will reach 11.5 million tonnes, and by 2030, the proportion of electrolytic aluminum produced using renewable energy will exceed 30%. Foster deep integration between metallurgical by‑products and resources and the building materials, petrochemical, and chemical industries. Encourage enterprises in key sectors to explore and adopt technologies and processes for the synergistic control of multiple pollutants and greenhouse gases, and to engage in collaborative innovation. Promote the application of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies in the industrial sector. (The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the National Energy Administration shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　(9) Promote synergistic efficiency in the transportation sector
　　Accelerate the shift of freight transport from road to rail and from road to water, increasing the share of rail and waterway transport in the overall transport mix. Develop urban green delivery systems and strengthen the development of urban non-motorized transportation networks. Speed up the deployment of new‑energy vehicles, gradually promote the electrification of vehicles in the public sector, and systematically replace older vehicles with new‑energy models while encouraging the use of new‑energy and clean‑energy power sources for non‑road mobile machinery. Explore pilot applications and commercial operations of medium- and heavy‑duty electric and fuel‑cell trucks. By 2030, in key regions for air pollution prevention and control, new‑energy vehicle sales are expected to account for approximately 50% of total new‑vehicle sales. Accelerate the phasing out of aging vessels, promote the adoption of ships powered by new‑energy and clean‑energy sources, expedite the construction of port‑side power supply infrastructure, and encourage the use of shore power by berthed vessels. (The Ministry of Transport, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, and China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　(10) Promote synergistic efficiency in urban and rural development.
　　Optimize urban and town layouts, rationally control the overall scale of urban construction, strengthen management of demolition and reconstruction, and adopt multiple measures to increase the share of green buildings, while promoting the large-scale development of ultra‑low‑energy and nearly zero‑carbon buildings. Steadily advance prefabricated construction and expand the use of green building materials. In northern regions, integrate energy‑efficient, green building retrofits with clean heating initiatives, giving priority to key areas for air pollution prevention and control in leveraging renewable energy sources—such as solar, geothermal, and biomass—to meet buildings’ heating, cooling, and domestic hot water needs. Encourage the simultaneous implementation of green building upgrades during the renovation of older urban residential neighborhoods, the reconstruction of dilapidated rural houses, and seismic retrofitting of farmhouses. Promote small‑scale, incremental renewal and micro‑renovation, and advance the recycling and reuse of construction waste. Rationally manage urban lighting energy consumption. Vigorously develop integrated photovoltaic‑building applications and launch pilot projects for integrated photovoltaic‑storage‑direct‑flexible systems. In efforts to improve and upgrade rural living environments, comprehensively incorporate pollution reduction and carbon‑emission‑reduction requirements. (The Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Energy Administration, the National Rural Revitalization Administration, and other relevant agencies shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　(11) Promote synergy and efficiency in the agricultural sector.
　　Promote green agricultural production practices and advance the coordinated development of crop cultivation, Animal husbandry Energy conservation, emissions reduction, and pollution control in the industrial and fisheries sectors. Thoroughly implement… Fertilizer Pesticide The initiative to reduce inputs while enhancing efficiency strengthens the prevention and control of non-point source pollution in crop production, optimizes water management for paddy fields, promotes superior crop varieties and green, high-efficiency cultivation practices, and improves nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency. By 2025, the three major grain crops… Fertilizer 、 Pesticide Utilization rates have all increased to 43%. Efforts have been stepped up to enhance the comprehensive utilization of crop straw and strengthen controls on its open‑burning. Meanwhile, the level of resource‑based utilization of livestock and poultry manure has been improved, with moderate development of multi‑tiered integrated systems such as rice–fish co‑cultivation, aqua‑solar integration, and fish–vegetable symbiosis. Aquaculture Aquaculture models are being promoted to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions from fishing vessels and fishing gear. Efforts are being accelerated to modernize aging… Agricultural machinery Increase the pace of vehicle scrappage and renewal, and promote advanced, practical low-carbon and energy-saving technologies. Agricultural machinery Equipment. In the agricultural sector, vigorously promote green energy‑use models such as biomass and solar energy, and accelerate the replacement of conventional energy sources with renewable energy in rural heating and cooking, agricultural operations, and agro‑processing facilities. (The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the National Energy Administration shall assume responsibilities according to their respective duties.)
　　(12) Promote synergistic efficiency in ecological development.
　　Adhere to a site‑specific approach, planting forests where appropriate and grasslands where suitable, and carry out large‑scale land greening initiatives in a scientifically sound manner, steadily increasing forest cover and timber stock. Strengthen ecological protection oversight, improve regulatory frameworks for nature reserves and ecological red lines, implement tiered and zoned measures for the protection, restoration, and monitoring of different ecological functions, and enhance management of ecological flow in rivers and lakes. Reinforce control over land‑use change and promote sustainable forest management. Comprehensively strengthen the protection and restoration of natural forests. Implement major projects for biodiversity conservation. Advance, in a science‑based manner, integrated governance of desertification, stony deserts, and soil erosion; execute comprehensive ecological protection and restoration programs in key areas; and develop ecologically clean small watersheds. Prioritize natural regeneration, adopt rest‑and‑recovery practices for forests, grasslands, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, bolster marine ecosystem protection, improve aquatic environments, and enhance ecosystem quality and stability. Strengthen urban ecological development, refine urban green ecological networks, and plan and rationally arrange urban ecological corridors and buffer zones. Optimize urban tree species selection to reduce pollen pollution and emissions of naturally occurring volatile organic compounds, giving priority to native species. Increase the proportion of natural shorelines retained in urban water bodies. Conduct comprehensive assessments of outcomes in ecological improvement, environmental capacity expansion, and carbon‑sink enhancement, continuously strengthening ecosystems’ carbon‑sequestration and purification capacities. (The National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, and the Ministry of Water Resources shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.) V. Optimizing Environmental Governance
　　(13) Promote coordinated control of air pollution prevention and control.
　　Optimize the technological roadmap for pollution control and intensify efforts to achieve co‑reduction of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and greenhouse gases. Integrate in‑depth air pollution control with energy‑saving and carbon‑reduction initiatives across key industries, promote ultra‑low emission upgrades in the steel, cement, and coking sectors as well as in boiler systems, and launch pilot projects to enhance integrated control of atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. For VOCs and other air pollutants, prioritize source‑substitution measures. Advance energy efficiency and resource conservation in air pollution control equipment, and elevate the level of automated and intelligent operation. Strengthen management of ozone‑depleting substances and hydrofluorocarbons, accelerate the retrofitting of production lines that use hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and phase out their use gradually. Promote coordinated control of atmospheric pollutant and carbon emissions from mobile sources. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Transport, and the National Energy Administration shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　(14) Promote coordinated control of water environment governance.
　　Vigorously promote the resource‑based utilization of wastewater. Enhance industrial water‑use efficiency, advance integrated optimization of water‑use systems in industrial parks, and achieve cascaded water use, differentiated‑quality water use, multi‑purpose water use, tiered utilization, and reuse. Establish regional reclaimed‑water circulation and reuse systems, and, based on local conditions, develop constructed wetland water‑purification projects and reclaimed‑water storage and regulation facilities. Explore and expand community‑based wastewater sorting, treatment, and on‑site reuse. Build benchmark reclaimed‑water plants that serve as models for resource and energy recovery. Promote energy conservation and consumption reduction at wastewater treatment plants by optimizing process flows and improving treatment efficiency; encourage the adoption of high‑efficiency, low‑energy equipment such as advanced hydraulic conveyance, mixing and agitation, and blowers for aeration; popularize technologies for thermal‑energy recovery, including biogas‑cogeneration from sludge and water‑source heat pumps; raise the level of sludge disposal and comprehensive utilization; and install solar‑power generation facilities at wastewater treatment plants. Conduct carbon‑emission assessments for urban wastewater treatment and resource‑based utilization, and refine energy‑consumption and carbon‑emission management at wastewater‑treatment facilities. Guided by principles of resource recovery, ecological sustainability, and long-term viability, advance centralized or decentralized treatment of rural domestic wastewater, coupled with nearby reuse, tailored to local conditions. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　(15) Promote coordinated control of soil pollution remediation.
　　Rationally plan the land use of contaminated sites and encourage… Pesticide In industries such as chemicals, heavily contaminated sites should be prioritized for the expansion of ecological space to reduce remediation energy consumption. Green and low‑carbon remediation is encouraged, with optimization of soil pollution risk management and remediation technology pathways, emphasizing energy conservation and resource efficiency. For strictly controlled contaminated farmland, afforestation and reforestation should be promoted to enhance carbon sequestration, while exploring the site‑specific planning and development of new‑energy projects—such as photovoltaic and wind power—on abandoned mines, subsidence areas resulting from coal mining, closed landfills, and other contaminated sites. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, the National Energy Administration, and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　(16) Promote integrated control of solid waste pollution prevention and treatment.
　　Strengthen resource recovery and comprehensive utilization, and intensify efforts to build “zero-waste cities.” Promote the utilization of industrial solid wastes such as coal gangue, fly ash, tailings, and metallurgical slag, or their substitution as raw materials in building‑material production. By 2025, increase the comprehensive utilization rate of newly generated bulk solid wastes to 60% and ensure the orderly reduction of existing stockpiles. Advance the recycling and reuse of emerging waste streams, including retired power batteries, photovoltaic modules, and wind turbine blades. Enhance the reduction, resource recovery, and harmless treatment of municipal solid waste; vigorously promote waste sorting; optimize waste management and disposal methods; strengthen the resource‑based utilization of recyclables and food waste; and continue to expand capacity for municipal solid waste incineration. Reduce landfilling of organic waste, reinforce the integrated control of leachate, odors, and greenhouse gases at landfills, and advance the construction of facilities for the collection and utilization of landfill gas. Based on local conditions, steadily promote the diversified development and utilization of biomass energy. Prohibit the illegal production of persistent organic pollutants and mercury‑containing products, and reduce at the source the generation of solid waste containing toxic and hazardous chemicals. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, the Ministry of Commerce, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the National Energy Administration shall assume responsibilities according to their respective duties.)
　　VI. Promote Innovative Models
　　(17) Promote regionally coordinated innovation for pollution reduction and carbon mitigation.
　　In line with the requirements of the tough battle to win the fight against pollution and the goal of peaking carbon emissions, we will accelerate the exploration of effective approaches to synergistically enhance pollution reduction and carbon mitigation in major national strategic regions, key areas for air pollution control, priority bays, and major urban agglomerations. We will optimize regional industrial structures, energy mixes, and transportation systems; foster green and low‑carbon lifestyles; and strengthen technological innovation as well as institutional and mechanism reforms, thereby supporting the achievement of regional green and low‑carbon development goals. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, and other relevant departments shall assume responsibilities according to their respective duties.)
　　(18) Promote collaborative innovation for urban pollution reduction and carbon mitigation.
　　Coordinate pollution control, ecological conservation, and greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts; strengthen the integration of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation to achieve synergistic efficiency in the development of national model environmental protection cities and “zero-waste cities”; explore tailored mechanisms for advancing pollution reduction and carbon mitigation in different types of urban settings; and enhance synergistic effectiveness across urban planning, production, and daily life, thereby accelerating the transition to green and low‑carbon urban development. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, and other relevant agencies shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　(19) Promote synergistic innovation for pollution reduction and carbon mitigation in industrial parks.
　　Encourage industrial parks of all types, based on their leading industries and levels of pollutant and carbon emissions, to proactively explore and advance synergistic efforts to reduce pollution and carbon emissions while enhancing efficiency; optimize park spatial planning; vigorously promote the use of new energy sources; and foster the optimization and cascading utilization of park energy systems, the intensive, economical, and efficient circular use of water resources, and the comprehensive utilization of waste. Additionally, upgrade and retrofit wastewater treatment facilities and waste incineration plants to elevate the green and low‑carbon development of infrastructure. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, the Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of Commerce, and other relevant departments shall assume responsibilities according to their respective duties.)
　　(20) Promote collaborative innovation in pollution reduction and carbon mitigation among enterprises.
　　Through policy incentives, the raising of standards, and the promotion of best practices, we will encourage enterprises in key industries to launch pilot projects for pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. Enterprises will be urged to adopt measures such as process improvements, energy substitution, energy conservation and efficiency upgrades, and integrated pollution control, thereby achieving substantial reductions in a range of pollutants—including air, water, and solid waste—as well as greenhouse gas emissions, significantly enhancing environmental governance performance and bringing both pollutant and carbon emissions in line with industry‑leading levels. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, we aim to facilitate a number of enterprises in undertaking collaborative innovation initiatives for pollution and carbon reduction; moreover, we will support enterprises in further exploring pathways for deep decarbonization and pollution reduction, with the goal of establishing model “dual near-zero” emission enterprises. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment is responsible.)
　　VII. Strengthening Support and Guarantees
　　(21) Strengthen the research, development, and application of collaborative technologies.
　　Strengthen basic scientific and mechanistic research on synergistic pollution reduction and carbon mitigation, incorporating relevant research tasks into national key R&D programs such as air pollution prevention and control, and carbon peaking and neutrality. Establish a number of specialized key laboratories and launch a series of priority innovation projects. Intensify R&D in areas including hydrogen‑based metallurgy, carbon dioxide‑to‑chemicals conversion, and critical technologies for next‑generation power systems; promote pilot applications of technologies such as energy optimization in refining and petrochemical processes, low‑global‑warming‑potential refrigerant substitution, and carbon capture and utilization; and advance integrated solutions like photovoltaic‑storage‑direct‑flexible systems, renewable energy–building integration, smart transportation, and the convergence of transport and energy technologies. Conduct innovative research on the synergistic co‑benefits of ultra‑low flue‑gas emissions and carbon reduction, developing technologies and equipment for multi‑pollutant system management, source‑level VOC substitution, and low‑temperature denitrification. Fully leverage the National Comprehensive Service Platform for the Transformation of Ecological and Environmental Science and Technology Achievements, implement the “Hundred Cities, Thousand Counties, Ten Thousand Experts” ecological and environmental technology assistance initiative, and enhance the scale and efficiency of translating pollution‑reduction and carbon‑mitigation technologies into practical applications. Accelerate demonstration, manufacturing, system integration, and industrialization of green and low‑carbon enabling technologies in priority sectors. Carry out research on the carbon‑sequestration effects of soil and water conservation measures. Strengthen capacity building in scientific and technological innovation, foster interdisciplinary research in key fields, and forge a national strategic science and technology force in the areas of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. (The Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the National Energy Administration shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　(22) Improve regulations and standards for pollution reduction and carbon mitigation.
　　Formulate and implement the Interim Regulations on the Administration of Carbon Emission Trading. Promote the incorporation of coordinated control of greenhouse gas emissions into relevant ecological and environmental laws and regulations. Improve the ecological and environmental standards system, revise and develop pertinent emission standards, strengthen the management of non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases, conduct research to establish greenhouse gas emission standards for key industries, and develop technical guidelines on the coordinated control of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions as well as monitoring technical guidelines. Further refine emission standards for mobile sources such as automobiles, and advance the coordinated control of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Transport, and the State Administration for Market Regulation shall assume responsibilities according to their respective duties.)
　　(23) Strengthen Coordinated Management of Pollution Reduction and Carbon Emission Reduction
　　Research will explore the integrated management of pollutant discharge permits and carbon emissions, aligning pollution reduction and carbon‑reduction requirements. Efforts will be accelerated to build a national carbon‑emissions trading market, with strict crackdowns on falsification of carbon‑emission data, strengthened routine oversight, the establishment of long-term mechanisms, rigorous enforcement of compliance obligations, and optimization of quota allocation methods. Relevant metrology research will be conducted to establish and improve a comprehensive metrology and testing service system. Studies will be carried out to assess the synergy between pollution reduction and carbon‑reduction in key cities, industrial parks, and priority enterprises, guiding regions to refine their collaborative management frameworks. Enterprises with high levels of both pollutant and carbon emissions will be encouraged to disclose environmental information in accordance with the law. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the National Energy Administration shall assume responsibilities as assigned.)
　　(24) Strengthen economic policies for pollution reduction and carbon mitigation.
　　Increase fiscal policy support for green and low‑carbon investment projects and the application of synergistic technologies, with fiscal authorities ensuring adequate funding for pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. Vigorously develop green finance, make effective use of monetary policy tools for carbon reduction, and guide financial institutions and social capital to step up their support for pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. Solidly advance climate‑related investment and financing by establishing a national project database on climate‑related investment and financing and launching pilot programs in this area. Put in place green electricity pricing policies that foster enterprises’ green and low‑carbon development. Expand the scope of fiscal support for clean heating to cover the entire northern region, and steadily promote the replacement of loose coal and the energy‑efficiency retrofitting of existing buildings. Strengthen the application of clean production audits and evaluation‑certification outcomes, using them as key bases for formulating and implementing differentiated policies such as tiered electricity pricing, water‑use quotas, and performance‑based tiered management during periods of severe air pollution. Advance pilot programs for green electricity trading. (The Ministry of Finance, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, the Ministry of Transport, the People’s Bank of China, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, and the China Securities Regulatory Commission shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　(25) Enhancing the foundational capacity for pollution reduction and carbon mitigation
　　Expand and refine the integrated space–ground monitoring network, and enhance the capacity for coordinated monitoring of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. Improve systems for source‑level statistical surveys, emissions accounting and verification, and regulatory oversight; prepare the national greenhouse gas emissions inventory in accordance with international obligations; and establish a database of greenhouse gas emission factors. Conduct research to develop a coordinated management system for verifying both stationary source pollutants and carbon emissions, and implement integrated regulatory and enforcement mechanisms. Leveraging existing frameworks for mobile source environmental information disclosure, compliance monitoring, and inspection and maintenance, explore the establishment of a system for verifying, accounting for, and reporting mobile source carbon emissions. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the National Bureau of Statistics shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　VIII. Strengthening Organization and Implementation
　　(26) Strengthen Organizational Leadership
　　All regions and relevant departments must earnestly implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, fully recognize the importance and urgency of synergistically enhancing pollution reduction and carbon mitigation, resolutely assume their responsibilities, and ensure effective implementation. Relevant departments should strengthen coordination and collaboration, each fulfilling its own duties and assuming its own responsibilities, to pool efforts and advance related work in a systematic manner. Local ecological and environmental authorities should, based on local conditions, formulate implementation plans, set clear timelines and targets, and refine specific tasks to ensure that all key measures are effectively put into practice and yield tangible results. (Relevant departments and local authorities shall assume responsibility according to their respective functions and divisions of labor.)
　　(27) Strengthen publicity and education
　　Integrate green and low‑carbon development into the national education system. Strengthen capacity building among cadres by organizing training programs on synergistic pollution reduction and carbon mitigation to enhance the competencies of relevant departments, local governments, and corporate managers. Intensify public outreach and guidance, identify and promote exemplary models in pollution reduction and carbon reduction, and leverage their role as benchmarks and value guides; make extensive use of occasions such as World Environment Day, National Low‑Carbon Day, and National Energy Conservation Publicity Week to carry out educational and awareness‑raising campaigns. Conduct public science‑education activities on ecological and environmental protection and climate change response. Increase transparency in information disclosure, improve mechanisms for public oversight and feedback on reports, and raise the level of public participation in environmental decision‑making. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Science and Technology shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　(28) Strengthen International Cooperation
　　Actively engage in global climate and environmental governance, extensively pursue international cooperation on ecological and environmental issues such as addressing climate change, conserving biodiversity, and managing the marine environment, and strengthen policy coordination with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative on green development. Enhance the alignment of policies and standards for pollution reduction and carbon mitigation, and advance practical cooperation in areas including research and application of green and low‑carbon technologies, construction of green infrastructure, green finance, and climate‑related investment and financing. Intensify the exchange of international experience in pollution reduction and carbon mitigation, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to the achievement of the 2030 Global Sustainable Development Goals. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development, the People’s Bank of China, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the China Meteorological Administration, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and other relevant agencies shall assume responsibilities according to their respective mandates.)
　　(29) Strengthen Assessment and Supervision
　　In accordance with the requirements for coordinated pollution reduction and carbon mitigation, the achievement of greenhouse gas emission reduction targets will be incorporated into relevant ecological and environmental performance assessments, gradually establishing an ecological and environmental assessment system that reflects the synergistic effects of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. (The Ministry of Ecology and Environment shall take the lead.)