#China #Carbon Neutrality #Baoting #Paris Agreement

Baoting Launches Carbon Neutrality Initiative with the EU

On October 23, 2025, Baoting in Hainan, China, proudly announced the launch of its new initiative aimed at carbon neutrality in collaboration with the European Union. This event marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, a pivotal moment in global climate change efforts. The initiative, known as "AI+", aims to merge digital and green transformations to realize a shared sustainable future.

In conjunction with this announcement, an international conference named "From Commitment to Implementation: Hainan Province Steps in the COP Process" was held on October 20, 2025. Organized collaboratively by the People's Government of Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, the China Society for Sustainable Development, and the Ningyuan Institute for Climate and Sustainable Development, this event brought together over a hundred representatives from international organizations, government officials from China and Europe, research institutions, and enterprises. The goal was to discuss how local governments can take on significant roles in implementing the new nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

Highlighting Local Actions and Global Impact

During the conference, prominent figures such as Xie Zhenhua, China's First Special Envoy for Climate Change Affairs, and Laurence Tubiana, COP30 Special Envoy to Europe, acknowledged Baoting's approach as a leading example of local action contributing to global climate targets. Tubiana commended the initiative for its emphasis on strong locally-driven policies, which she feels are essential for achieving the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.

The Baoting initiative focuses on several significant strategies aimed at carbon neutrality:

• - Encouraging electrification and energy-efficient modernization across key sectors such as industry, construction, transportation, and tourism to reduce carbon intensity.
• - Strengthening carbon capture in rainforests and river valleys to balance emissions reductions with carbon sequestration.
• - Establishing a “carbon account + carbon budget” platform in accordance with global standards.
• - Launching pilot projects for mutual recognition with the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to foster low-cost, compliant supply chain solutions.

Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration

The event also showcased Baoting's unique position as the sole district in China involved in the China-EU cooperation zone for green and digital innovations. Baoting leverages favorable policies from the Hainan free trade port, such as zero tariffs and streamlined customs processes, to create competitive advantages for international collaboration and green-digital transformation.

The initiative's significance was underscored by discussions surrounding the role of artificial intelligence in climate governance. The AI+ solutions, exemplified by the extensive model "Zidong Taichu", will be applied in public administration, proactive healthcare, digital economy, and green finance.

Key projects introduced during the conference include:

• - Promotion of smart building design throughout their lifecycle to nurture a green, healthy, and intelligent living environment.
• - Integration of medical-grade wearable devices into communities, workplaces, and hospitals to bridge the gap from technological validation to commercial application, fostering the entry of European digital health enterprises into the Chinese market.
• - A framework comprising three high-level projects aimed at developing replicable models for carbon-neutral oceanic and island resilience, along with comprehensive tools for policy, standards, law, finance, and knowledge sharing.

Baoting’s collaboration with European partners not only supports its own sustainable development goals but also plays a crucial role in addressing global climate challenges through practical projects. This partnership serves as an inspiring example for other regions facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement among governments, academia, industry, and European allies.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future

Li Meng, Chairwoman of the China Society for Sustainable Development and former Vice Minister of Science and Technology, outlined four priorities for the upcoming year to facilitate the initiative's success:

• - Establishing mutual recognition of standards and legal frameworks.
• - Innovating financial mechanisms and ensuring ethical assurances for AI applications in climate initiatives.
• - Developing and launching a digital carbon management platform in Baoting.
• - Introducing a certification mark for healthy communities between China and the EU, aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.

The Baoting initiative reminds us of the profound commitment needed to translate pledges into action, encourage technology adoption, and transform green dividends into tangible benefits for citizens in both China and Europe. As we pursue collective efforts to foster carbon neutrality, Baoting stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Let us meet in Baoting, let us unite in Europe, and together, we shall advance towards COP30.