SHENZHEN has emerged as the top-ranking city in China’s “dual carbon” (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality) action, according to the Chinese City Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality Index Summary Report released recently by the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences and the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs.

The report evaluated a total of 110 cities across the country from three perspectives, specifically climate ambition, low-carbon status, and emission reduction trends.

Joining Shenzhen in the top 10 cities are Chengdu, Qingdao, Beijing, Ningbo, Wuhan, Xiamen, Kunming, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Shenzhen has been at the forefront of the country’s low-carbon development, implementing strategies for green and sustainable growth, according to Shenzhen Special Zone Daily.

Shenzhen has managed to reduce energy consumption intensity to one-third of the national average and carbon emissions intensity to just one-fifth, according to the Daily report.

Between 2013 and 2021, the average carbon emissions intensity of the regulated manufacturing enterprises in Shenzhen decreased by 42.07%, while the industrial added value of these companies increased by 62.65%, as per the report.

Shenzhen has been recognized as an innovation demonstration area for the national sustainable development agenda and is among the country’s first batch of low-carbon pilot cities.

Additionally, the city has created a new model of market-oriented investment and financing services for climate projects, which was recommended by the National Development and Reform Commission to be promoted nationwide.

(Liang Dazhi, Wang Jingli)