China plans to establish 'Zero-Carbon Villages' to promote low-carbon development
On Sunday, China’s central authorities released a guideline document aimed at expediting the comprehensive green transformation of development. This initiative represents the first instance in which China has methodically organized a nationwide effort for a holistic green transformation.
![China plans to establish 'Zero-Carbon Villages' to promote low-carbon development](https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-13/China-to-create-Zero-Carbon-Villages-for-low-carbon-development-1w2pytM4Eqk/img/ffd04428a9284bdc85702b4710504c43/ffd04428a9284bdc85702b4710504c43-1920.png?#)
On July 22, 2024, Maona Village in Wuzhishan City, located in the southern part of Hainan Province, was honored with the "Zero-Carbon Village" title, making it the first village in Hainan and the second in China to receive this recognition. The accolade highlights Maona Village's progress in ecological practices and establishes a new standard in the country’s rural rejuvenation efforts.
The "Zero-Carbon Village" concept focuses on decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration in rural areas to achieve a balance between emitted and absorbed carbon. The initiative aims for zero net per capita carbon dioxide emissions, thus significantly reducing environmental degradation. Strategies under this initiative include implementing renewable energy solutions, fostering green agricultural practices, and promoting sustainable lifestyle choices to support the overall objective of sustainable rural development.
Situated approximately 30 kilometers from Wuzhishan City, Maona Village, a community predominantly of the Li ethnic group, boasts substantial natural resources conducive to carbon capture, thanks to its location in the core area of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park and its sizable forested land. The "Zero-Carbon Village" status not only boosts the village’s profile but also enhances agricultural and tourism integration, potentially increasing income through increased visitation and local product sales like tea and glutinous rice wine.
Prior to Maona, Jiuhua Village was recognized as China’s inaugural "zero-carbon village." Nestled between Nanjing and Anhui in eastern China, Jiuhua Village is known for its substantial forestry capable of producing significant carbon offsets measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). This environmental asset supports the village's zero carbon emissions goal.
Jiuhua Village's administration has promoted clean energy adoption among its residents, who extensively use solar power and natural gas. The village is also notable for its renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar-powered streetlights and sustainably fueled public transportation systems, which achieve nearly 100 percent renewable energy use and substantial reductions in carbon emissions. The successful implementation of these technologies not only supports the village's energy needs but also generates additional income by selling surplus electricity. Moreover, Jiuhua Village leverages its ecological advantages to develop its tea industry and ecotourism, aligning economic activities with its sustainability goals.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News