Research on China’s Pathways to Achieve Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Goals

Abstract

Since September 22, 2020, President Xi Jinping, who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has reiterated China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals on many major international occasions and at many important conferences of the CPC Central Committee. The transition to carbon neutrality is becoming a systemic revolution concerning whether China’s high-quality economic and social development and sustainable prosperity can be achieved. Incorporating carbon peaking and carbon neutrality well into overall economic and social development framework and ecological civilization construction, setting out the timetable, clarifying the roadmap, and proposing specific action plans have become a global concern. Through the analysis of international situations and China’s national strategies, and the application of Integrated Assessment Modeling Consortium (IAMC), this paper explores China’s pathways to carbon peaking and neutrality, and puts forward recommendations for high-quality development featuring low emissions.