Protected Carbon in China

China is home to a diverse range of protected areas. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has identified 101 protected areas in China that meet its conservation criteria. These protected areas vary in size, location, and remoteness and include both large remote regions such as the 37 thousand square kilometre Qinghai Hoh Xil World Heritage Site as well as local nature reserves like Shanghai's Chongming Dongtan Ramsar Site. It is worth noting that while these 101 areas are recognised and included in the IUCN's database, many other protected areas in China still need to be appraised. The total number of protected areas within China has been estimated to reach over 10,000. Thus, this analysis will only consider the subset of protected areas included in the IUCN's database. Nonetheless, the IUCN's recognition of these protected areas is a critical step towards their conservation and preservation, as it provides an international standard for their management and protection. The conservation efforts in these areas are vital, as they play an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance of China's diverse ecosystems. Historically, China's protected areas have been administered by numerous agencies, creating uncertainty around which regulations apply. In March 2018, the national government proposed new laws to place all protected areas under the Ministry of Natural Resources, empowered to consider both development and conservation goals. This "Guidance on Establishing a System of Protected Areas with National Parks as the Main Body" was adopted in 2019. Historically, at least one-third of China's nature reserves have been without a local management agency, staff, or sustained funding.

Affected Areas

These protected areas in China contain current or planned fossil fuel projects. Oil, gas, and coal extraction in protected areas harms their natural value while contributing to climate change.

Extraction Data

This table shows a summary of potential emissions from fossil fuel extraction projects in protected areas in China (including projects that are currently extracting, planned or idled).

Deposits Data

This table shows a summary of potential emissions from fossil fuel deposits under protected areas in China. Many of these are not yet the target of any industry activities and could more easily become part of a non-extraction policy.

Early Warnings

This table shows untouched protected areas that have planned carbon extraction projects, along with their respective startup dates.

Profiting Companies