Baoting, Hainan Unveils Zero-Carbon County Cooperation Initiative Marking Paris Agreement Anniversary
On October 21, 2025, Baoting, a picturesque county in Hainan, China, has taken a monumental step in the global fight against climate change by launching the "China-EU Zero-Carbon County Cooperation Initiative". This initiative was unveiled as part of a larger commitment to formalize China's new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in light of the Paris Agreement's 10th anniversary. The initiative emphasizes the integral role local governments play in achieving climate goals and showcases Baoting as a feasible model for sustainable urban development.
The event kicked off with an International Conference titled "From Commitment to Implementation: Hainan's Actions in the COP Process," hosted in Baoting on October 20. This significant gathering, co-organized by the Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County People’s Government, the China Society for Sustainable Development, and the Ningyuan Institute of Climate and Sustainable Development, attracted over a hundred representatives from international organizations, Chinese and European governments, research institutes, and businesses keen on exploring local governments' roles in implementing nationally determined contributions.
The initiative builds on the area's unique position as the sole county-level entity included in the China-EU Green and Digital Innovation Cooperation Zone. By leveraging policies from the Hainan Free Trade Port regarding zero tariffs and a simplified tax regime, Baoting aims to carve out distinctive advantages for international collaboration and facilitate the dual green-digital transition. This port aims to become the world’s largest free trade hub, setting the stage for Baoting’s ambitious transformation.
Baoting’s key strategies for achieving carbon neutrality include promoting electrification and enhancing energy efficiency across critical sectors such as industry, construction, transportation, and tourism to minimize carbon intensity. The county plans to strengthen carbon sequestration efforts within its tropical forests and river valleys, create a “carbon account + carbon budget” platform that aligns with global standards, and test for mutual recognition with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to provide low-cost, compliant supply chain solutions.
Climate leaders from various backgrounds praised Baoting’s proactive approach, highlighting its significance within China’s broader NDC context. Xie Zhenhua, China’s First Special Envoy for Climate Change Affairs, stated that Baoting’s cooperation with European partners significantly contributes not only to its sustainable development but also to global zero-emission objectives through concrete project implementations.
Laurence Tubiana, the COP30 Special Envoy to Europe and CEO of the European Climate Foundation, emphasized that achieving Paris Agreement goals relies heavily on impactful local action. She commended Baoting for being an inspiring exemplar, showcasing the potential for collaborative efforts across governmental, academic, industrial, and international lines, suggesting that Hainan’s innovations could serve as a model for other island economies.
During a roundtable discussion titled "Shaping a New Paradigm for Future Global Cities and Climate Governance," various stakeholders discussed avenues for climate action that could transform global ambitions into urban-level solutions. Experts, including Beate Trankmann, UNDP Resident Representative in China, presented insights into how Ai technology can facilitate innovative governance approaches.
The conference notably spotlighted the essential role of artificial intelligence in climate governance. A prominent model, "Zidong Taichu," demonstrates significant applications in county-level governance, digital economy engagement, proactive healthcare, and green finance.
Flagship projects developed during this initiative include:
1. Creation of smart buildings designed for low-impact living environments through their entire lifecycle.
2. Integrating medical-grade wearable devices into community settings for comprehensive data collection and proactive health management.
3. Initiatives aimed at fostering cross-border healthcare and green energy systems designed for community-wide use.
During the conference, Baoting formalized three flagship high-level mechanism projects aimed at replicating carbon resilience models in coastal and island regions, forming comprehensive policy tools for knowledge-sharing across global partners. Baoting's drive for zero-carbon initiatives is not only a commitment to local sustainable development but also an invitation for international collaboration in building a resilient and sustainable future, setting a precedent for global strategies.
As Baoting moves forward, it recognizes the challenges presented by climate change and commits to establishing a roadmap for action over the coming years, including the launch of a clinical research translation platform, advancing Baoting’s Digital Carbon Management Platform, and introducing a China-EU Healthy Community Certification Label.
As we look towards the future, Baoting's ambitious developmental model stands as a beacon of innovation, inviting cities and organizations from Europe and beyond to engage in this vital journey towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral world. As stated at the conference, we’ll meet again - in Baoting, in Europe, and at COP30, to fortify our collective fight against climate change with tangible actions and shared commitments.
The event kicked off with an International Conference titled "From Commitment to Implementation: Hainan's Actions in the COP Process," hosted in Baoting on October 20. This significant gathering, co-organized by the Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County People’s Government, the China Society for Sustainable Development, and the Ningyuan Institute of Climate and Sustainable Development, attracted over a hundred representatives from international organizations, Chinese and European governments, research institutes, and businesses keen on exploring local governments' roles in implementing nationally determined contributions.
The initiative builds on the area's unique position as the sole county-level entity included in the China-EU Green and Digital Innovation Cooperation Zone. By leveraging policies from the Hainan Free Trade Port regarding zero tariffs and a simplified tax regime, Baoting aims to carve out distinctive advantages for international collaboration and facilitate the dual green-digital transition. This port aims to become the world’s largest free trade hub, setting the stage for Baoting’s ambitious transformation.
Specifics of Baoting's Zero-Carbon Transition
Baoting’s key strategies for achieving carbon neutrality include promoting electrification and enhancing energy efficiency across critical sectors such as industry, construction, transportation, and tourism to minimize carbon intensity. The county plans to strengthen carbon sequestration efforts within its tropical forests and river valleys, create a “carbon account + carbon budget” platform that aligns with global standards, and test for mutual recognition with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to provide low-cost, compliant supply chain solutions.
Climate leaders from various backgrounds praised Baoting’s proactive approach, highlighting its significance within China’s broader NDC context. Xie Zhenhua, China’s First Special Envoy for Climate Change Affairs, stated that Baoting’s cooperation with European partners significantly contributes not only to its sustainable development but also to global zero-emission objectives through concrete project implementations.
Laurence Tubiana, the COP30 Special Envoy to Europe and CEO of the European Climate Foundation, emphasized that achieving Paris Agreement goals relies heavily on impactful local action. She commended Baoting for being an inspiring exemplar, showcasing the potential for collaborative efforts across governmental, academic, industrial, and international lines, suggesting that Hainan’s innovations could serve as a model for other island economies.
Key Discussions and AI Integration
During a roundtable discussion titled "Shaping a New Paradigm for Future Global Cities and Climate Governance," various stakeholders discussed avenues for climate action that could transform global ambitions into urban-level solutions. Experts, including Beate Trankmann, UNDP Resident Representative in China, presented insights into how Ai technology can facilitate innovative governance approaches.
The conference notably spotlighted the essential role of artificial intelligence in climate governance. A prominent model, "Zidong Taichu," demonstrates significant applications in county-level governance, digital economy engagement, proactive healthcare, and green finance.
Signature Projects
Flagship projects developed during this initiative include:
1. Creation of smart buildings designed for low-impact living environments through their entire lifecycle.
2. Integrating medical-grade wearable devices into community settings for comprehensive data collection and proactive health management.
3. Initiatives aimed at fostering cross-border healthcare and green energy systems designed for community-wide use.
During the conference, Baoting formalized three flagship high-level mechanism projects aimed at replicating carbon resilience models in coastal and island regions, forming comprehensive policy tools for knowledge-sharing across global partners. Baoting's drive for zero-carbon initiatives is not only a commitment to local sustainable development but also an invitation for international collaboration in building a resilient and sustainable future, setting a precedent for global strategies.
Looking Ahead
As Baoting moves forward, it recognizes the challenges presented by climate change and commits to establishing a roadmap for action over the coming years, including the launch of a clinical research translation platform, advancing Baoting’s Digital Carbon Management Platform, and introducing a China-EU Healthy Community Certification Label.
As we look towards the future, Baoting's ambitious developmental model stands as a beacon of innovation, inviting cities and organizations from Europe and beyond to engage in this vital journey towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral world. As stated at the conference, we’ll meet again - in Baoting, in Europe, and at COP30, to fortify our collective fight against climate change with tangible actions and shared commitments.
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