We work to provide sustainable solutions and improve knowledge to control short-lived climate forcers in China

The Chinese-Norwegian Cooperation on Short-Lived Climate Forcers (ChiNorClimate) studies the effects of methane and black and organic carbon emissions on air pollution, climate change, and health in China. Composed of expert teams from Norway and China, ChiNorClimate works to achieve near-term solutions and contribute to mitigate climate change and improve air-quality and health.

Our Mission

ChiNorClimate strives to increase knowledge and support the development of strategies and policy options for methane and black and organic carbon emissions in China.

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Through targeted research, collaboration, and capacity building, we aim to significantly reduce these potent climate pollutants, contributing to improved air quality, public health, and global climate resilience.

Supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the Norwegian embassy in Beijing, the project exemplifies international cooperation. The Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) spearheads the initiative domestically, ensuring alignment with China’s environmental priorities, while the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA) coordinates efforts from Norway, fostering mutual learning and exchange of expertise.

Our Projects

Black Carbon Project
The Black Carbon project aims to reduce emissions from key sources like residential combustion and industrial processes in northern China, improving air quality and mitigating climate impacts. Led by the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) and the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA), the project fosters collaboration between China and Norway to develop cleaner technologies and practices. This initiative supports China’s 2060 carbon neutrality goal and global efforts to address short-lived climate pollutants.

Methane Project
The Methane project focuses on reducing emissions from waste treatment and livestock production in northern China by developing cost-effective solutions and strategies. It aims to improve local emission data and recommend control technologies, contributing to China’s 2060 carbon neutrality goal and commitments under the Paris Agreement. The project is jointly led by the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) and the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA), strengthening collaboration to mitigate climate change, improve air quality and reduce food loss by recommending solutions to reduce methane emissions.

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Latest Publications for Short-Term Climate Forcers

ChiNorClimate is committed to documenting discoveries, informing about new estimates of effects on climate, air quality, and health, and sharing the latest news, statistics, and research regarding short-term climate Forcers.

Evaluating national methane control action plan: Measure-specific impacts and sectoral pathways across northern China

Methane Project
This study estimates China’s CH₄ emissions from 43 sources in 2020 and projects trends to 2050 under two scenarios: Current Legislation (CLE) and Maximum Technically Feasible Reduction (MFR). Using the GAINS model with updated province-level data, it finds a national CH₄ budget of 1114 MtCO₂e in 2020, dominated by energy (59%) and agriculture (28%). By 2050, emissions could fall up to 48% below CLE (46% below 2020), mainly from energy and waste. Coal mining accounts for 58% of energy-sector potential (via VAM oxidation and pre-mining degasification), while improved solid waste management accounts for 97% of waste-sector potential (via anaerobic digestion and recovery/utilization). Due to regional differences in climate, demographics, and economy, optimal strategies vary: pre-mining degasification and VAM oxidation suit coal regions (Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi), while anaerobic digestion, recovery/utilization, and incineration dominate in developed, populous provinces (Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang). The study quantifies China’s maximum technical mitigation potential and offers guidance for other nations.
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Analysis of the Current Status, Emission Reduction Technologies, and Challenges of Methane Emissions from Animal Husbandry

Methane Project
Livestock is key to China’s food security and “dual carbon” goals, and its methane (CH₄) control matters greatly for livestock self-sufficiency, dietary optimization, and climate response. This paper analyzes the CH₄ emission status, reduction technologies, and gaps in the world’s top ten emitters (6 Annex I, 4 non-Annex I). Since 1990, livestock CH₄ growth in major emitters has been driven mainly by non-Annex I Parties (e.g., China, Brazil) due to dietary shifts and farming expansion, while Annex I Parties (e.g., US, EU) have plateaued or declined; China’s per capita CH₄ remains low. As China’s livestock production grows, both enteric fermentation and manure management CH₄ emissions are rising. Addressing sustainability, climate, and diplomacy challenges requires integrating genetic breeding, feed regulation, manure treatment, and resource utilization, alongside policy and technology optimization, to build a full-chain control system and achieve low-carbon, green, high-quality livestock development.
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Final Report produced under the Chinese-Norwegian Project on Emission, Impact, and Control Policy for Black Carbon and its Co-benefits in Northern China (ChiNorBC)

Black Carbon Project
This report is the final report of the China-Norway Black Carbon Emissions, Impacts and Control Policies Project (ChiNorBC). The project is jointly implemented by the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) and the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA), co-organized by the Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning (CAEP), the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and the CICERO Center for International Climate Research, and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.
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