China’s Ecological and Environmental Code officially took effect on Aug. 15, 2026, becoming the country’s second formal statutory code after the Civil Code and the world’s first code dedicated specifically to ecological and environmental protection.

The Code draws on China’s own environmental governance experience and integrates rules on pollution prevention, ecological conservation, and green and low-carbon development. It reflects China’s effort to address environmental protection alongside industrial modernization and the transition toward an ecological civilization.

A key feature is its integrated approach to environmental governance. Rather than regulating air, water, and soil separately, the Code connects environmental protection with development goals, legal responsibilities, and green transition measures.

The Code also incorporates Chinese practices such as ecological conservation red lines, differentiated environmental management, and river and lake chief systems. Its provisions on green consumption, waste recycling, and low-carbon development further seek to promote sustainable economic growth.

The legislation provides a potential reference for developing countries seeking to balance economic development with environmental protection. Its emphasis on harmony between humanity and nature also reflects a broader approach to systematic ecological governance.

Beyond domestic legislation, the Code includes provisions for international cooperation on climate change and global environmental governance, demonstrating China’s commitment to advancing green development through the rule of law and contributing to global ecological protection.

Source: People’s Daily