China must accelerate the establishing of a legal framework for achieving its dual carbon goals – to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, said Huang Zhen, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, during the national political advisory body's annual session on March 9.

Huang, also vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy and vice-chairman of the CPPCC Shanghai Municipal Committee, said amid the global push for sustainable development and the increasing urgency to address climate change, China's commitment to peak carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality is of global significance.

China's dual carbon goals are not just an environmental imperative but also a strategic decision aimed at driving economic structural transformation, fostering green and low-carbon industrial competitiveness, and achieving high-quality development, Huang said.

However, within China's current legal system, there is a lack of specialized legislation addressing climate change and the goals of carbon peaking and neutrality, Huang continued.

To tackle this issue, the political advisor proposed a comprehensive top-level design that would involve legislative and regulatory efforts to tackle climate change and achieve carbon peaking and neutrality goals.

This design should include the swift drafting of specialized legislation and related administrative regulations, clarifying basic principles, strategic plans, management systems, mitigation and adaptation measures, supervision and management, and legal responsibilities related to the country's dual carbon goals, Huang said.

Huang also recognized the need to adapt the legal system to the rapidly evolving landscape of green and low-carbon industries.

He proposed the study and promotion of supplementary legislation related to new industries, new business forms, and new foreign-related areas driven by the dual carbon goals.

"This would ensure that the legal system keeps pace with the changing economic and environmental landscape, enabling China to effectively respond to climate change and achieve its carbon peaking and neutrality goals," Huang said.

Source: Jiefang Daily