Integrating Climate Change into Environmental Impact Assessment: China’s Pilot Policy and Practice

Abstract This article examines China’s policy-driven approach to integrating climate change into its environmental impact assessment (EIA) framework through carbon emission EIAs (CEIAs). Led by China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, a pilot framework targets high-emission sectors like steel and thermal power, embedding carbon assessment within existing project approval procedures. The analysis highlights the development of national technical guidelines and localized standards that mandate assessing the carbon footprint of projects, mitigation measures, and consistency with regional ‘dual-carbon’ policies. However, significant limitations persist. CEIA functions primarily as a reporting tool focused on greenhouse gases (GHGs), with minimal inclusion of adaptation assessment, limited non-carbon dioxide gas coverage, and weak linkages to binding regional targets. Empirical evidence reveals inconsistent implementation, variable reporting quality, and procedural compliance over substantial reductions. Ultimately, the effectiveness of China’s integrative model as a climate governance instrument depends on stronger legal mandates, clearer reduction requirements, more comprehensive GHG coverage, and better integration with broader climate governance mechanisms.