China recently presented its most ambitious climate goal: to build a climate-adapted society by 2035.
The announcement, made by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, marks an unprecedented commitment in the fight against climate change.
Furthermore, it establishes a clear roadmap ahead of the COP30 to be held in Brazil this November.
China bets on a climate-resilient society: a national commitment with global impact
In its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), announced in October 2025, China formally set the goal of building a climate-resilient society by 2035.
Xia Yingxian, director of the climate change department of the MEE, stated that this “demonstrates China’s firm determination and sense of responsibility as a leading country in the fight against climate change“.
The official explained that this goal constitutes “the fundamental guide and roadmap for its climate adaptation efforts” during a press conference held last Wednesday.
The announcement is particularly relevant in view of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
This event will be held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, and climate change adaptation will be one of the key topics of discussion.
The climate crisis, a growing threat
Xia noted that “the world is experiencing climate change characterized by significant warming“.
Currently, extreme weather events occur with greater frequency, intensity, and simultaneity.
This includes heat waves, cold waves, torrential rains and sudden climate changes that generate droughts and floods.
“These events pose serious threats to the safety of people’s lives and property, as well as to the economic and social development of countries around the world, including China,” the official stated.
For this reason, climate change adaptation has become an urgent priority for the Chinese government.
The MEE, along with another 16 ministries and commissions, published the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2035.
This document sets out the objectives, principles, and key tasks for the country’s climate change adaptation efforts.
Under the guidance of this strategy, “various departments and regions have taken active measures to continuously advance key tasks related to climate change adaptation and have made tangible progress,” Xia declared.
To date, the country’s 31 provincial-level regions have formulated and launched their local implementation plans.
Additionally, 39 cities are carrying out pilot programs to develop climate-resilient cities.
Xia stated that “China has established a coordinated framework that drives climate change adaptation through national strategies, provincial actions, and urban pilot projects simultaneously”.
Climate change adaptation in China: scientific tools for risk assessment
In April 2025, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, along with the China Meteorological Administration, published guidelines for the impact and risk assessment of climate change.
These guidelines clarify the methods and reference indicators for assessing climate change hazards, exposure, and vulnerability, providing scientific guidance to local authorities.
The MEE has also published the Climate Change Adaptation Progress Report of China for two consecutive years.
There, the country’s climate conditions and progress in climate adaptation are systematically described.
China’s international cooperation for climate change resilience
Additionally, China is actively promoting international cooperation in climate adaptation.
The nation has also committed to supporting other developing countries to improve their capacity to prevent and manage climate risks.
Xia stated that the MEE will continue to promote the implementation of the National Strategy.
It will do so by “strengthening overall coordination, innovating institutional mechanisms, and improving the assessment of climate impacts and risks“.
The efforts will focus on strengthening climate resilience in key sectors and regions.
Thus, China seeks to contribute to building a climate-resilient society and advancing global climate governance.
