Hainan hopes to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2025

Hainan province has exceeded its carbon dioxide emission reduction target set for the 13th Five Year Plan (2016-20), and is now exploring how to achieve peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality.

Carbon neutrality refers to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions, which is achieved by balancing carbon dioxide emissions with the removal or elimination of emissions in other areas of society.

The South China island province is promoting the construction and operation of a carbon market and conducting research on the carbon sink of the marine ecosystem.

According to experts, Hainan boasts a favorable natural environment, solar energy and other natural resources, and its industrial structure is dominated by low-emission tourism and modern service industries. It has strong potential to achieve carbon neutrality ahead of schedule.

In 2019, Hainan's total carbon emissions were 42.13 million tons, with per capita carbon emissions standing at 4.51 tons. Carbon emissions per 10,000 yuan ($1,545.2) of GDP were 883.78 kilograms of carbon dioxide.

At present, Hainan is promoting the construction of a clean energy island and accelerating the construction of a clean, natural-gas-powered energy system to supplement it. The Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission revealed that Hainan will strive to achieve peak carbon emissions by 2025 and realize carbon neutrality by 2050.

By 2025, Hainan will establish a clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy system. The proportion of installed clean energy power generation capacity will reach 83 percent, and the clean energy island will begin to take shape.

By 2035, the clean energy transition will be mostly realized, the proportion of installed clean energy power generation capacity will reach 89 percent, and the clean energy island will be nearly completed.