The incentives for China’s climate actions

Abstract

Although China is not subject to the emission targets set by the Kyoto Protocol, it has ramped up significant effort in climate mitigation on its own. The Greenhouse Gas Emission Control Plan in the twelfth Five-Year Plan sets carbon intensity targets for provinces, taking into account different stages of economic development and industrial structure. Although China’s climate policy-making is centralized, the successful implementation needs the compliance of provincial governments. However, climate policy is challenged by economic growth and social stability, the Chinese government’s top priority. In the context of climate governance, China’s success depends on the willingness of the political center.