Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is enhancing the carbon emission accounting and product carbon footprint management systems as part of the reform and innovation measures for national economic and technological development zones, aiming for high-quality development through high-level openness [1][2]. Group 1: Carbon Emission Accounting - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment emphasizes the importance of carbon emission accounting as a foundational work for promoting carbon reduction [1]. - A comprehensive carbon emission accounting system is being developed, with 23 key tasks outlined in the "Work Plan for Improving Carbon Emission Accounting System" [1]. - The national greenhouse gas inventory for the years 2015-2021 has been completed, and the 2022 inventory is in progress [1]. Group 2: Industry-Level Initiatives - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment is advancing the research on carbon emission accounting and verification technical specifications for various industries, including power generation, steel, cement, and aluminum smelting [1]. - Eight national carbon market technical specifications have been published to enhance the precision of carbon emission management [1]. Group 3: Product Carbon Footprint Management - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in collaboration with the National Development and Reform Commission, has issued guidelines for product carbon footprint accounting standards and is developing a product carbon footprint factor database [2]. - The 2023 electricity carbon footprint factor data has been released, addressing a gap in domestic factor data [2]. - Research is ongoing for carbon footprint factors in other energy sources and transportation sectors [2]. Group 4: Database and Standards Development - The first version of the national greenhouse gas emission factor database was launched in January, featuring 297 emission factors to enhance local data availability [2]. - The Ministry plans to accelerate the establishment of a comprehensive standard system and conduct training to improve corporate capabilities in carbon emission accounting and management [2]. - Continuous improvement of the national greenhouse gas emission factor database is aimed at providing robust data support for transitioning from energy consumption control to carbon emission control [2].

Core Viewpoint - The development of green low-carbon supply chains is essential for China to maintain its competitive edge in international trade and to align with global carbon reduction standards [1][2][3] Group 1: Green Low-Carbon Supply Chain Characteristics - Green low-carbon supply chains integrate environmental considerations throughout the entire production and service process, emphasizing both economic and ecological benefits [1] - These supply chains manage all stages from design, procurement, production, packaging, sales, consumption, to recycling, ensuring comprehensive green management [1] - Coordination among upstream and downstream enterprises is crucial, leveraging leading companies to drive carbon reduction efforts [1] Group 2: International Trade and Policy Implications - The shift towards green low-carbon supply chains is a strategic response to the increasing pressure from developed countries' carbon-centric trade policies [2][3] - China's engagement in green supply chains is vital for addressing international "carbon barriers" and enhancing its trade competitiveness [3] - The establishment of international green trade rules necessitates a comprehensive approach, including green procurement, production, logistics, and recycling [2] Group 3: Opportunities for Export Enterprises - The transition to low-carbon practices opens new market opportunities, particularly in sectors like new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products, which are experiencing strong export growth [4] - China's existing competitive advantages in these sectors can be further enhanced through policy support and international cooperation [4] Group 4: Role of Leading Enterprises and Policy Support - Leading enterprises should spearhead supply chain decarbonization efforts, utilizing their influence to engage smaller companies in carbon reduction initiatives [5] - Financial and fiscal policies should be aligned to support low-carbon supply chain development, including tax incentives for green consumption and increased credit support for green projects [6] - Accurate carbon footprint management is essential to address potential "carbon leakage" and ensure accountability in carbon emissions [6] Group 5: International Cooperation - Global cooperation is necessary to address the externalities of carbon emissions, with both producing and consuming countries sharing responsibilities [7] - Strengthening international green supply chain collaboration can facilitate low-carbon development across industries [7]