#China #Baoting #Paris Agreement #zero-carbon

Baoting Launches China-EU Zero-Carbon County Initiative

Introduction

On October 21, 2025, Baoting, located in Hainan, China, marked the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement by announcing its participation in the China-EU Zero-Carbon County Cooperation Initiative. This initiative coincides with the unveiling of China's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which aim to integrate ecological and digital transformations under a shared vision for a sustainable future.

The announcement came during an international conference titled "From Commitment to Action," which was held on October 20 in Baoting. This significant event was co-hosted by the Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County government, the Chinese Society for Sustainable Development, and the Ningyuan Institute of Climate and Sustainable Development.

Conference Highlights

The conference attracted over a hundred representatives from international organizations, Chinese and European governments, research institutes, and businesses, all gathered to discuss the vital role that local authorities can play in achieving national climate commitments. Among the prominent attendees were Beate Trankmann, UNDP Resident Representative in China, and Laurence Tubiana, COP30 special envoy for Europe.

Baoting's Unique Position

Baoting stands out as the only county-level unit in China included in the China-EU Cooperation Zone for Green and Digital Innovation. Leveraging Hainan's Free Trade Port policies, such as zero tariffs and simplified tax systems, Baoting is poised as an experimental ground for international collaboration and the transition to a digital green economy.

Key initiatives launched by Baoting to transition toward a zero-emission economy include:

• - Promotion of Electrification: Enhancing energy efficiency and integrated energy services across key sectors including industry, construction, transportation, and tourism to reduce CO2 emission intensity.
• - Carbon Absorption Initiatives: Strengthening the carbon absorption capacity of rainforests and river valleys to balance emission reductions and sequestration efforts.
• - Carbon Accounting Platform: Establishing a "Carbon Account + Budget" platform that complies with global standards.
• - Pilot Projects: Implementing mutual recognition with the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) to provide compliant, cost-effective supply chain solutions.

Global Recognition of Baoting's Model

Xie Zhenhua, China's Special Envoy on Climate Change, praised Baoting's practical collaboration with European partners as a critical step towards sustainable regional development and the goals of the Hainan Free Trade Port. Laurence Tubiana emphasized the importance of local actions in achieving the Paris Agreement's objectives, recognizing Baoting as an inspiring model for multilateral cooperation among public administration, academia, industry, and European partners.

Round Table Discussions

During a roundtable session on shaping new paradigms for global future cities and climate management, diverse experts—including prominent academics and industry leaders—engaged in discussions on pathways from commitment to action. These discussions explored five essential areas: indicators, finance, technology, governance, and scenarios to transform global climate ambitions into measurable urban solutions.

The Role of AI in Climate Cooperation

The conference highlighted the crucial role artificial intelligence plays in climate management. Projects such as the large AI model "Zidong Taichu" are being applied across county-level management, healthcare prevention, digital economy, and green finance, exemplifying the integration of advanced technology in climate initiatives.

Flagship Projects and Initiatives

Flagship projects presented included:

• - Smart Building Designs: Advancing sustainable, healthy, and smart living environments throughout the building lifecycle.
• - Wearable Health Tech Integration: Connecting clinical-grade wearable medical devices with communities, workplaces, and hospitals to support Chinese market entry for European health tech companies.

Establishing a Green and Digital Innovation Ecosystem

The conference also saw the signing of agreements for the flagship projects named "3+7+4" to develop an ecosystem of cooperation between China and Europe:

• - 3 High-Level Mechanism Projects: Creating a replicable model for "Zero-Emission Resilience Ocean-Island" development, comprising policy, standards, law, and finance frameworks.
• - 7 International Industrial Projects: Focusing on digital therapies, green low-emission building standards, integrated green energy systems, and AI-managed carbon and building operations.
• - 4 Pilot Projects: Supporting cross-border healthcare infrastructure, carbon-negative wellness, and natural therapy technologies, aimed at establishing global standards in these fields.

Conclusion

Ten years since the Paris Agreement set a unified commitment to limit global warming to below 1.5°C, Baoting is actively responding to this call by presenting its NDCs and inviting global partners to collaboratively establish zero-carbon counties. This initiative urges the translation of commitments into action, rooting technology in practices and transforming environmental gains into tangible benefits for residents in both China and Europe. Together, they aim for a sustainable future at COP30 and beyond.