Climate impact to be included in project assessments

Climate impact will be included in environmental impact assessments of major projects, according to a guideline released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment on Wednesday.

The new guideline is part of efforts to align governance of climate change with environmental conservation. 

Using environmental impact assessments as a tool, the ministry will encourage regions, industries and enterprises to reduce coal consumption and control greenhouse gas emissions. Climate impact will be included in the assessment for both planning and specific projects, the guideline said. 

Climate change legislation will also be accelerated, and the ministry said it will promote its inclusions in laws covering environmental protection, energy and resources, land development, urban and rural planning and construction. 

Efforts will also be stepped up to make accountability for reducing greenhouse gas emissions a key part of environmental performance appraisals. 

The ministry will summon leading officials of areas that fail to meet emission control targets.

The guideline also vowed to strengthen overall planning and coordination of climate change management and environmental protection.