China outlines ecological protection and green transition goals for 15th Five-Year Plan

Chinese authorities have released strategic frameworks for the “15th Five-Year Plan” period, focusing on ecological protection and the nation’s transition toward carbon peak and neutrality goals.

The “Ecological Protection 15th Five-Year Plan,” jointly issued by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources, sets specific targets for 2030. These include increasing forest coverage to 25.8%, ensuring water and soil conservation rates exceed 74%, and maintaining natural protected areas at no less than 18% of land territory. The plan aims to optimize ecological spatial patterns, mitigate biodiversity loss, and improve the Ecological Quality Index (EQI) to 86.5.

Complementing these environmental targets, China is emphasizing a comprehensive green transition to support its “dual carbon” strategy. Key focus areas include optimizing the energy system through increased renewable energy capacity—which is projected to account for over 60% of total installed capacity by the end of 2025—and advancing industrial greening. Efforts are being directed toward high-consumption sectors like steel and chemicals, while fostering strategic emerging industries such as new energy vehicles, hydrogen energy, and new materials.