#China #Baoting #Paris Agreement #CO2-Neutral Initiative

Introduction

Baoting, located in Hainan, China, has officially launched the "China-EU Initiative for Cooperation on CO2-Neutral Counties" as part of celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. This initiative seeks to foster collaboration between Chinese and European entities to address climate change and implement strategies for sustainable development.

The Importance of the Initiative

The introduction of this initiative coincides with a key period in climate action. China has updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), demonstrating its ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The newly launched initiative, coined "AI+", combines digital innovation and ecological transformation into a vision for a sustainable future. A significant conference titled "From Commitment to Implementation: Hainan's Actions in the COP Process" took place on October 20, 2025. Here, over a hundred representatives from international organizations, governments, research institutes, and the business sector gathered to discuss the critical role local governments play in executing NDCs.

The Role of Baoting

As the sole county-level entity in China designated as a cooperative zone for green and digital innovation with the EU, Baoting is empowered by the policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port. These policies promote tax exemptions and simplified regulatory frameworks, offering a unique platform for international cooperation and the green transformation essential for achieving carbon neutrality. Key measures proposed by Baoting include enhancing electrification, retrofitting energy systems, and leveraging carbon sinks in rainforests and river valleys to reduce carbon intensity.

Key Initiatives

Baoting's path to achieving carbon neutrality encompasses several vital initiatives:
1. Electrification and Energy Retrofits: These strategies aim to lower carbon intensity across key industries, including construction, transportation, and tourism.
2. Enhancing Carbon Sinks: By intensifying efforts in rainforest and river valley conservation, Baoting aims to balance carbon emissions through effective carbon management.
3. Development of Carbon Management Platforms: Initiatives are underway for creating platforms that align with global standards for carbon accounting, which will facilitate compliance and streamlined operations in sustainability efforts.
4. Collaborative Recognition with EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): This pilot project aims to offer compliant, cost-effective supply chain solutions.

Acknowledgment from Global Leaders

Notable climate advocates, including Xie Zhenhua, China's first Special Envoy for Climate Change, emphasized the importance of Baoting's collaboration with European partners in facilitating sustainable development. Laurence Tubiana, the COP30 Special Envoy to Europe, praised Baoting as a noteworthy model for local action essential for achieving the Paris Agreement's goals, suggesting that the experiences gained in Hainan could serve as a benchmark for island economies globally.

Discussions on Future Cities

The conference featured a panel discussion titled "Shaping a New Paradigm for Global Future Cities and Climate Governance," which included influential figures like Beate Trankmann, UNDP Resident Representative in China, and prominent academics and industry leaders. They explored pathways to local action in addressing climate goals through measurable and actionable solutions, particularly focusing on indicators, finance, governance, technology, and scenario planning.

The Role of AI in Climate Policy

The integration of artificial intelligence within climate strategies was a focal point of the discussions. The "AI+" solutions leverage cutting-edge AI models, such as Zidong Taichu, showcasing applications across multiple sectors, including local governance and health.

Prominent projects highlighted at the conference include:

• - The promotion of intelligent building designs across their life cycle, which aim to facilitate sustainable living environments.
• - The integration of medical wearables into communities and workplaces to support public health strategies.

Signature Projects and Future Directions

A series of flagship projects—3+7+4—were signed as part of a European Partners Acceleration Camp at the conference. These projects aim to promote resilience in urban settings and development models that focus on zero-carbon infrastructures, digital therapeutics, and integrated green energy frameworks.

Conclusion

Ten years after the Paris Agreement, the Baoting initiative signifies a proactive response to climate change challenges, inviting global partners to collaborate on building CO2-neutral counties. This call for action emphasizes transforming commitments into technology-based solutions, aligning with the broader goals of sustainability and ecological stewardship. The Hainan Free Trade Port's development represents a unique opportunity for international cooperation in achieving a low-carbon future.