China’s role in global climate action and environmental protection was highlighted at a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) event in Beijing, leading to this year’s World Environment Day celebrations. Officials emphasized the country’s expanding green economy and growing public participation in climate initiatives.
The 2026 World Environment Day forum, hosted by the UNEP China Office at the UN Embassy Complex in Beijing, convened representatives from UN agencies, Chinese government institutions, the private sector, foundations, and youth organizations. The forum aimed to review climate progress and strengthen environmental cooperation.
In a video message delivered during the event, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the past eleven years had been the hottest on record, with climate change driving worsening environmental and humanitarian crises globally.
“Every fraction of a degree of warming matters,” Guterres stated, urging countries to accelerate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to limit the impact of global warming.
Wang Qian, head of the UNEP China Office, acknowledged that global climate challenges continue to intensify but noted the rapid expansion of practical solutions and public awareness campaigns.
She highlighted partnerships with Beijing Capital International Airport, the Beijing Subway, Sina Weibo, and China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, all aimed at promoting environmental awareness and encouraging public climate action.
Environmental experts at the forum also pointed to the growing contribution of green industries to China’s economy.
Pan Xiao, a senior specialist with the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development Secretariat, reported that green industries now contribute approximately 24 per cent of China’s nominal economic growth. They accounted for at least one percentage point of the country’s five per cent GDP growth over the past year.
According to Pan, China’s green transition has entered a deeper stage of transformation, moving away from the traditional energy-intensive development model.
At the international level, officials noted that China continues to share its experience in low-carbon development and green economic transformation through platforms such as the UN Climate Change Conferences.
Yan Shidong, Director General at the Centre for Environmental Education and Communications under China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, stated that China has consistently used international climate forums to showcase its environmental policies and encourage broader public participation in climate action.
Following World Environment Day commemorations, cities across China also hosted environmental awareness activities promoting recycling, waste management, and sustainable living practices, particularly among schoolchildren and young people.
